Kingston Lagoon Emergency January 2026

On 17 January, late Saturday afternoon, there was a sad water tragedy at Kingston, when a couple of visitors were snorkelling in Kingston Lagoon and the gentleman was injured on the reef and sadly died. My heart goes to his family and friends, the shock of such a terrible sad tragedy to happen after their amazing time at the NOC the ROCK Wa’a Outriggers competition week. Flowers were laid at the Kingston Lagoon on Tuesday morning as a tribute for his family and friends.

Thank you to the members of the Norfolk Island community and others at the beach who assisted on Saturday afternoon. Your courage and care in helping are beyond words, and I am sure the family and loved ones will appreciate that you were there helping in the water and for calling the emergency services for Help. My thoughts are also with the first responders and those who were supporting those involved in the emergency at Slaughter Bay. The Ambulance staff and Police attended the water incident late on Saturday afternoon. The Norfolk Island Police have also published a report about the weekend’s water tragedy.

Norfolk Island is a beautiful remote island surrounded in beautiful landscapes, bush walks, and the wonderful lagoon at Kingston. It is always good to consider your surroundings when enjoying the outdoor activities.

I regularly snorkel in the lagoon at Kingston and even though it can look calm and inviting, it is always important to take care in the water. I always check the tides and wind and consider how the swells are affecting the lagoon and plan my swims in the best area for the day, sometimes swimming at Emily Bay or Slaughter Bay and even Middle Beach near the Salt Mill. It is always good to snorkel with a friend and consider your swimming strength.

Thank you, to the ambulance crew who attended, the hospital staff, and the police, for their care, help and support. A massive thank you to those first on the scene and this shows how important it is to attend First Aid Training and learning CPR and lifesaving skills. If you wish to attend a First Aid Course,

contact Norfolk Island St John Ambulance for dates and times, you never know when you might need to help.

It is also a timely reminder to check out the Emergency telephones which are in the beach areas at Kingston, on the external wall of the Public Toilets &Changing rooms across the road from Slaughter Bay and at the grassy area at the Emily Bay Reserve, near the picnic area where the Food Bus often sets up during the summer holiday period. There are also Emergency telephones at Anson Bay and Bumbora Bay and the Kingston and Cascade Piers. The Emergency telephone boxes are in silver metal boxes or bright yellow boxes which are easy to see and will give a direct line to the emergency service if needed.

Defibrillators (Defib) are at the Kingston Pier area, and the Kingston Golf Club and along Quality Row at Number 11 next to the Kingston Sports ground, plus another Defib is near the Kingston Pier and Crank Mill, mounted on the large white triangle navigation marker for boats. New Defibrillators were installed during 2025 at the Emily Bay changing rooms and at the Munna’s toilets next to the Royal Engineers Office (REO) building. At the Kingston Pier and Cascade Pier there is also a life ring if needed. Don’t forget to also keep a first aid kit in your vehicle, you never know when you might need it.

In 2017 water safety signage was installed in the waterfront area with information about the Kingston Lagoon rip areas, which are the outlet through the coral reef effected by tidal flow. These signs are helpful for visitors and locals.

Sadly, a couple of years ago, there was also another death of a visitor while he was swimming at Slaughter Bay in March 2023. Our thoughts to those who also assisted that day three years ago and to the family and friends of the gentlemen who tragically died.

In an Emergency Call 000 for HELP, for Medical, Police or Fire.

Once again, a big thank you to the Norfolk Island emergency crews and medical staff for attending and caring for those involved in this sad tragedy. Also, thank you, to the community for helping, your compassion and support during the beach incident. Our thoughts are with everyone involved and with the victim, their families, and friends

Betty Matthews

23 January 2026