A heartbroken Australian family is worried about the safety of children and toddlers at an idyllic but precarious beach in Western Australia after one of their dogs died in a rip.
Georgia Crook, her partner Ash Bowman and their two dogs, Mushu - a three-year-old Australian shepherd - and border collie Tilly were enjoying a day at the beach on Saturday as they had on many occasions.
Crook, her partner and their two dogs were enjoying a swim at 11 Mile Beach in Esperance near Perth when Mushu was sucked into a gap in the reef by a rip.
"It all happened in about two seconds and in front of our eyes," Crook told 7News.
"I knew instantly he was gone and we weren't getting him back. He was helpless. It was so heartbreaking."
All four had been enjoying the crystal clear and still water when the tragic drowning caught them completely off guard.
The couple were just metres away from Mushu, when he was sucked under by a current.
Bowman tried desperately to rescue Mushu, calling out and suffering cuts as he searched the reef.
The couple made the heartbreaking decision to abandon the search and head home but is worried about the safety of children at the beach.
"I'm most worried it could happen to a child. I had friends with children playing there on Australia Day," Crook told 7News.
She said there is signage at the beach but is calling on the council to put up a warning about the gap posted right where the reef breaks away would benefit families and other swimmers.
The Western Australian beach might be picturesque, but Beachsafe says 11 Mile Beach has a general hazard rating of 8/10, indicating it is "highly hazardous". It also warns of rips.
The Shire of Esperance - the local government in the area - said it takes coastal safety very seriously, but confirmed changes are on the way.
"The Shire does not have management over this beach, which is why the safety signage we provide is located at the access points," a spokesperson said.
"We can confirm that Shire officers have already been working in partnership with Surf Life Saving WA, who have carried out a coastal risk assessment and advised on updated signage.
"The coastal hazard signage on the Esperance tourist loop and town areas will be updated as a priority."
