Signs warning people not to swim at a dangerous Timaru beach have been replaced after they were vandalised and pulled down prior to a father's tragic death earlier this year.
The Coroner on Monday confirmed Richard Walsh, 58, drowned after rescuing his 10-year-old son, who had been playing at the shore of a beach in Seadown and was dragged out to sea by a rogue wave on January 30.
Walsh ran into the sea after him and was able to throw his son back to safety. Others were able to help his son out of the water, but Walsh was unable to escape and was carried out to sea by the waves.
Coroner SP Johnson said police evidence and comments from locals showed the beach, at the end of Beach Rd in Seadown, is not a safe spot to swim or even enter the water.
"The beach is steep with a sharp drop off into deeper water. The whole coast from Rangitata down to Timaru is not safe due to the underlying current with a lot of rogue waves," he said.
However there were no warning signs advising people about the dangers of swimming or paddling there, Coroner Johnson found.
Local residents told police there used to a sign advising people not to swim there a couple of years ago, but it had been vandalised and pulled down.
Since the incident occurred, the Timaru District Council has replaced the sign and erected further signage in the area, which Coroner Johnson says is "heartening".
In his concluding remarks, Coroner Johnson hailed the bravery of Walsh's actions.
"Richard died a hero, but I am aware that this will not take away his family's grief and sorrow. I extend my sincere condolences to them for their loss."
