Finding into death of Ahedah Hamed
Deceased
Ahedah Hamed
Demographics
45y, female
Date of death
2021-01-13
Finding date
2023-11-22
Cause of death
Drowning
AI-generated summary
Ahedah Hamed, 45, a non-swimmer, drowned at Bushrangers Bay after a large wave swept her and friends from rock pools into the ocean. The bay is dangerous with unpredictable rips, strong currents, and rocky reefs, but had no warning signage at the time. Emergency services were delayed by the remote location and difficult access. The coroner found she likely did not fully appreciate the ocean's dangers and, unable to swim, could not stay afloat until rescue. Key clinical lesson: risk communication through clear, visible hazard signage at dangerous locations is essential for public safety, particularly for non-swimmers and those unfamiliar with coastal hazards.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Deceased could not swim
- Inability to appreciate ocean hazards
- Bushrangers Bay is a dangerous beach with unpredictable rips, strong currents, rocky reefs and large waves
- Sudden change in weather conditions from calm to extremely windy
- Absence of warning signage at the beach
- Isolated and unpatrolled beach with limited emergency service access
Coroner's recommendations
- Parks Victoria should consider the installation of signage at Bushrangers Bay that clearly and concisely warns visitors of the hazards present in the area and the need for caution around the water
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Source and disclaimer
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