A teenager is in a critical condition following an incident in the waters at Mersey Bluff, Devonport on Monday.
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Tasmania Police responded to an incident where two swimmers were in difficulty in the water off the rocks at the Mersey Bluff at about 3:35pm on Monday.
Emergency services were contacted by members of the public who observed the two swimmers with police attending and observing one young girl, aged 15 years, in the water and in obvious difficulty.
Police and the Devonport Surf Club then deployed rescue boats and with little regard for their own safety, two police officers and two members of the public entered the water with one man making his way out to assist the girl.
IN OTHER NEWS: Rescue underway at Devonport Bluff
The other girl who was also 15-years-old, made her way to the shore herself prior to police arrival.
The young girl in the water was unable to save herself but was held by the man in the water until the surf club rescue boat arrived.
The young girl was then treated by Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania Police members on the beach for some time.
She was then transported to the Mersey Community Hospital and later transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital where she remains in a critical condition.
The other young girl received minor abrasions and was treated for shock at the scene.
Inspector Stuart Wilkinson urged all swimmers to be aware of the changing conditions weather conditions.
“Changing weather conditions pose a risk to all water users and swimmers in Tasmanian waters,” Inspector Wilkinson said.
“We urge all people to take caution when swimming in open waters and be mindful of currents, winds and to be aware of the often quickly changing conditions which may lead to tragic events such as this.
“As well as Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania Police members, the gratitude of our community should go to the two men who bravely entered the water without hesitation and potentially saved this young girl’s life.”
Police are seeking any witnesses to the incident and request that they contact the Devonport Police Station on 64784011 or the police assistance line on 131444.
