Dalyston drowning: Girl dies saving brother

An investigation has been launched following revelations it took 24 minutes for an ambulance to be dispatched to a drowning near Wonthaggi yesterday.

The family of 13-year-old Holly Nicholson had to wait 41 minutes for the ambulance to arrive after their first Triple Zero call.

TIMELINE

• First 000 call: 8.20pm
• Ambulance dispatched: 8.44pm
• Arrived at scene: 9.01pm

Holly drowned while trying to save her younger brother from rough waters at Williamsons Beach at Dalyston late yesterday.

The beach was not patrolled by life guards.

Emergency services minister Jane Garrett has this afternoon revealed serious concerns about the way emergency call-taker ESTA handled the Triple Zero call.

Ms Garrett has asked the Inspector General of emergency management to investigate the delay.

The coroner is also investigating.

Holly’s brother, 11, was swimming off Williamsons beach when the conditions became rough and unsafe.

His sister and their father went in to help him.

The 11-year-old emerged, but attention soon turned to his sister.

She was pulled from the water unconscious and died at the scene.

The brother she helped rescue was taken to the Monash Medical Centre in a stable condition, and received only minor injuries.

Williamsons beach is described as ‘extremely hazardous’ on the Beach Safe website.

Life Saving Victoria was not at the beach, and says it’s a tragic reminder for people to always swim at patrolled beaches.

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