A tourist visiting Collaroy has been rescued from the treacherous rocks at Long Reef after suffering a broken leg in a fall.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening just after 6:30 p.m. when the 24-year-old man, exploring the rock platform with a friend at low tide, lost his footing and fell.
The rock platform at Long Reef is known for its slippery weed cover, posing a hazard even for those wearing appropriate footwear. The man’s friend, who was with him then, immediately called for help.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, with four NSW Ambulance crews, including Intensive Care Paramedics, a Special Operations Paramedic, and Inspector Carolyn Parish, attending the incident. Northern Beaches Police and specialist rescue firefighters from Narrabeen Fire Station also assisted.

Recognising the challenging terrain and the incoming tide, firefighters used their all-terrain stretchers to reach the injured man. Guided by the man’s friend, rescuers located the tourist some distance from the rock platform, where the rising tide would soon submerge him.
Despite the language barrier, paramedics were able to assess the man’s injuries and determined he had sustained a broken right leg. With the tide rapidly approaching, the rescuers prioritised moving the man to safety before administering further treatment.
After providing initial pain relief, the man was placed on the all-terrain stretcher and transported back to the beach above the high tide mark. Once safely on the beach, paramedics provided additional medical attention before carrying him up the headland pathway to the lookout, where an ambulance was waiting.
The injured tourist was then taken to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition, accompanied by his friend. The rescue operation concluded just before 8.15 p.m.
Published Date 14-Jan-2025