Twelve people swept from sandbar

Twelve people were rescued off the coast of Penguin Island at the weekend after becoming stranded while attempting to cross the sandbar.

File pic: DEC officers patrol the Penguin Island sandbar

Secret Harbour Surf Life Saving Club captain Gary Williams said people were swept off course by strong winds or became stranded as the high tide came in.

Mr Williams said there was no safe time to cross the sandbar as conditions could change rapidly.

‘‘People try and cross in the morning when the tide is quite high and deep and get stranded or they get pushed around by the easterly winds,’’ he said.

‘‘In the afternoon when the southerly winds set in, people get swept north and that’s dangerous, too.

‘‘There really is no good time to attempt to cross the sandbar. It’s always risky as the conditions are so unpredictable. We’d strongly advise anyone to refrain from doing so."

Mr Williams said the 12 people rescued were tourists.

‘‘Because are no facilities on the island, many tourists take eskies and food and other equipment with them. When they get in trouble, often they are too busy trying to save their camera or possessions that they put their own safety at risk,’’ he said.

Mr Williams reminded tourists and locals that paid lifeguards are only stationed at the island between December and January, with the service to end on the January 31.