A police operation launched for Australia Day 2022 has concluded with police commending the behaviour of crowds at Australia Day events across Sydney and regional areas.
Operation Australia Day 2022 was launched today (Wednesday 26 January 2022), involving general duties officers, assisted by specialist police, to ensure a safe and secure environment for the community.
During the high-visibility policing operation, 41 people were arrested, and police laid 67 charges for a range of offences including breach of bail, PCA, offensive behaviour, assault police, resist arrest, malicious damage, affray, possess prohibited drugs and supply prohibited drugs.
Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter APM, said the majority of people were well-behaved and enjoyed their celebrations safely and responsibly.
"With near perfect weather conditions and crowds enjoying festivities today, the vast majority celebrated safely, which made for a family-friendly day," Assistant Commissioner Cotter said.
"Sadly, two people, a woman and a man, died in separate incidents on the water today," Assistant Commissioner Cotter said.
About 12.40pm (Wednesday 26 January 2022), emergency services were called to the Nepean River near Bruce Neale Drive, after reports a boat with five people onboard had overturned.
A 33-year-old woman was pulled from the water unconscious and treated by paramedics; however, she died a short time later. She is yet to be formally identified.
Two men and two teenagers were rescued from the water and taken to Nepean Hospital for observation and treatment of minor injuries.
Detectives have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
About 5pm also today, emergency services were called to The Haven Boat Ramp at Terrigal following reports a man had been pulled from the water unconscious.
Police have been told the man fell from rocks into the water while walking along Terrigal Haven. A nearby boatie pulled the man from the water and took him to the boat ramp.
Witnesses assisted while police performed CPR until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived.
The man died while being transported to Gosford Hospital. He is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be a 62-year-old man from Kellyville Ridge.
Officers from Brisbane Water Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
"The main issue for police was anti-social and dangerous behaviour and officers did respond to several incidents across the state, including the Central Coast, Sydney's south and Northern Beaches, however, swift and early action ensured these issues did not ruin the day for everyone else," Assistant Commissioner Cotter said.
