Tragedy Strikes Trigg Beach: 12-Year-Old Girl Succumbs to Injuries After Rip Current Ordeal

Perth, December 26, 2025 – In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 12-year-old girl has died in hospital nearly two days after being pulled unresponsive from the waters at Trigg Beach, highlighting the perilous dangers lurking at one of Perth’s most popular coastal spots. The incident, which unfolded amid the festive holiday season, has left the community reeling and prompted renewed calls for beach safety awareness.

The ordeal began around 6:30pm on Tuesday, December 23, when police received urgent reports of swimmers in distress at the beach in Perth’s north. According to a WA Police spokesperson, two girls, both aged 12, were caught in a powerful rip current and swept out to sea. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as beachgoers watched in horror while the young swimmers struggled against the relentless pull of the ocean.

A heroic surfer, whose identity has not been publicly released, sprang into action. He first rescued one of the girls, bringing her safely back to shore unharmed. Undeterred, he returned to the water and located the second girl, who was found unresponsive and floating amid the waves. He managed to drag her back to the beach, where immediate life-saving efforts commenced.

On the shore, a coordinated response unfolded. Police officers, volunteer lifeguards from the Trigg Island Surf Life Saving Club—who happened to be conducting training exercises nearby—and two off-duty doctors performed CPR on the stricken child. It’s understood that first responders used a defibrillator in their desperate bid to revive her. Surf Life Saving WA general manager Chris Peck praised the quick thinking of those involved, noting that the lifeguards’ access to equipment and training was crucial. “They’re highly trained; they’ve got access to equipment. They were able to respond as quickly as they could to apply that emergency care,” Peck said.

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Five St John WA ambulances, including critical care and special operations crews, raced to the scene under priority conditions. The girl was rushed to Perth Children’s Hospital with a police escort, where she was admitted in a critical condition. Tragically, despite the best efforts of medical staff, she passed away in the hospital on Christmas Day, casting a shadow over the holiday period for her family and the broader community.

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Trigg Beach, known for its stunning white sands and azure waters, has long been a magnet for locals and tourists alike. Aerial views reveal its picturesque coastline, stretching along Perth’s northern suburbs, but beneath the beauty lies hidden hazards.

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The incident occurred near the infamous “Blue Hole,” a notorious area adjacent to Trigg Point reef where powerful rips form, especially during certain tidal conditions. Locals have warned for years about its dangers to inexperienced swimmers. Retired surf life saver Wes Newton, a 40-year veteran of the area, recounted his own experiences: “I’ve had to pull people out of that area after they got into strife. It’s particularly dangerous to the uninitiated.” The Blue Hole’s reputation stems from its deceptive calm appearance, which masks strong undercurrents that can drag swimmers far offshore in moments.

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This tragedy is not isolated. Surf Life Saving Australia reports a 35% increase in drownings at non-patrolled beaches during the 2024-2025 season, with 27 fatalities recorded so far—many on public holidays when crowds swell. Last summer was particularly grim, with WA surf lifesavers performing over 900 rescues amid rough conditions. Peck emphasized the importance of swimming at patrolled locations: “Last year was a difficult season. We had an extreme number of rescues and drownings because people were choosing not to swim at patrolled beaches.”

Community reactions have poured in, with social media users sharing condolences and safety reminders. One X post recalled a historical tragedy at Trigg, where a group of nuns and two brothers drowned decades ago, underscoring the beach’s long-standing risks. Others highlighted the “legend” of the Blue Hole, once an old reef hole allegedly blasted in the 1970s or 1980s, which exacerbates rips under specific conditions.

In response, authorities are urging beachgoers to heed safety signage, swim between the flags, and avoid unpatrolled areas like the Blue Hole. Technology such as AI-powered drones and smart buoys is being deployed to enhance surveillance, but experts stress personal vigilance remains key. As Perth’s summer heats up, this incident serves as a somber reminder of the ocean’s unforgiving power.

The girl’s family has requested privacy during this devastating time. WA Police continue to investigate, though no foul play is suspected. Counseling services have been offered to witnesses and first responders affected by the event.