A young man in his 20s disappeared while swimming with friends at Coogee Beach in Sydney around 6 a.m. yesterday. Witnesses last saw him struggling in the surf.

Meanwhile, the search continues at Palm Beach for a 14-year-old boy who vanished after his boat capsized on New Year’s Eve. One man accompanying him was rescued, but tragically, another lost his life at the scene.

This incident is part of a series of tragedies that have claimed three lives in the past two days due to dangerous beach conditions across New South Wales.

Among the victims was a 25-year-old tourist from China who drowned shortly after 4 a.m. at Maroubra. Additionally, a 45-year-old woman near Port Macquarie could not be revived after being pulled from the water at Dunbogan Beach in the afternoon.

Authorities are anticipating more treacherous conditions today and have strongly urged the public to avoid swimming in the water.

More hazardous conditions are expected today, prompting authorities to issue a stark warning to stay out of the water.

Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce yesterday said there had been a surge in rescues up and down the coast in recent days.

“This spate of drownings and rescues have caught everyone off guard over the new year’s period,” Pearce said.

“We are pleading for people – do not enter the water today, if that beach is closed.”