Family day out at popular Canberra river turns fatal as young man dies after tragic drowning

A swimmer has been found drowned in a river in the Australian Capital Territory following a massive search.

The 23-year-old man went missing while swimming at Uriarra Crossing on the Murrumbidgee River near Canberra about 5.30pm on Thursday.

It’s clear he was there with family and friends.

Emergency services were called after the man entered the water at the bridge and did not resurface.

A land, air and water search was carried out involving ACT Policing, AFP Search and Rescue, ACT Fire & Rescue, the Toll Southcare helicopter and the SES.

The body of a swimmer who went missing in the Murrumbidgee River has been found

There was a large-scale search for the man on Thursday afternoon (photo)

Multiple agencies, including ACT Fire & Rescue and the SES, attended the scene

An officer searches the Murrumbidgee River from the bank on Thursday afternoon

The man’s body was unfortunately found in the water around 8:35 p.m.

Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police is urged to contact ACT Policing on 131 444. Please quote reference 7668984.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

The Toll Southcare helicopter was also called in during the search

Officers found the man’s body on Thursday evening around 8:35 p.m

The man had entered the water from the Uriarra Crossing bridge (photo)

Searchers are looking for any sign of the swimmer from the bridge outside Canberra

The river is filled with rocks and debris. A report will be made on how the man drowned

SAFETY ADVICE FROM ACT PARKS

Let someone know before you go and don’t go alone.

Tell a responsible person where you are going, when you plan to return and what to do if you are late.

Always closely supervise children in or near the water.

Know your limits: Consider your swimming skills and endurance before visiting our waterways. If you’re not sure, stay safe by staying outside and away from the water’s edge.

Understand the dangers: Never enter the water during flooding.

Water depth in rivers and lakes can change suddenly, rocks and logs can be hidden beneath the surface, surfaces can be slippery, and currents can be stronger than they appear.

Enter the water with caution and avoid diving in case of submerged rocks or logs,

Check weather conditions and be prepared for changes regardless of the weather forecast.

Source: ParksACT

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