A community reeling from a shark attack at a Sydney beach which left a woman in critical condition is returning to the water for a swim-out to support the victim’s family.
One week ago, Sydney mother Leah Stewart was swimming between the flags at Coogee Beach when she was mauled by a suspected white shark.
The 34-year-old remains in a critical condition, having undergone multiple surgeries since the June 13 attack for bites across her arms and legs, and for lacerations and fractures throughout her body.
One of her arms had to be amputated, the family said earlier in the week.
Ms Stewart’s family says she has undergone multiple surgeries and has had one arm amputated. (Supplied: Stewart family)
The swim is part of the local surf lifesaving club and Randwick City Council’s attempt to provide spaces for the community, including a gathering on Monday, where they can open up about their fears and get support to return to the water.
‘A good cause’
Mayor of Randwick City Council, Dylan Parker, said the event would provide a safe, supportive and community-focused environment for people wanting to get back in the ocean.
“Unsurprisingly, the beaches have been a little bit quieter than you would expect,” Cr Parker said.
“I’ll be going back in, as I’m sure the many hundreds, potentially thousands, will be at this community swim — doing so for a good cause, raising funds for Leah Stewart on the BBQ.“
He said there would be surveillance drones, lifeguards on jet skis and inflatable rescue boats to provide reassurance to swimmers.
Lifeline counsellors would also be present for those still feeling the impacts of the incident or wanting further support.
In an emergency measure following the tragedy, Surf Life Saving NSW was granted approval to use drones to monitor shark activity over Coogee Beach.
The temporary lifting of the drone ban by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, in place due to the suburb’s location under the flight path, has since been made permanent.
