13-year-old girl drowns while trying to rescue her younger brother at a beach

Holly Nicholson died after getting into trouble in rough water at Williamson's Beach, Australia when she went to rescue her younger brother on Thursday, February 11.

Nicholson's 11-year-old brother was swimming at the beach in Dalyston just after 8:00 when he got into trouble in rough water.
He was rescued from the water and taken to hospital with minor injuries. But Holly found herself in difficulties and later died despite efforts by her family and emergency services to save her.


Her death has devasted students and teachers at her school. Wonthaggi Secondary College principal Garry Dennis said the loss was very distressing for the school community:

"Holly was such a gentle and caring student, we're all feeling the loss today and our thoughts are with her family," he said.

"She endeared herself quietly to all those around her, students and staff, the huge impact she had in our school is being reflected in response to the news that we've had here today.

"The school will do all it can to support family and friends."

Mr Dennis said he had spoken to Holly's closest friends at the school, who said the 13-year-old had been an amazing friend:

"She was always helping others, she was kind and loving and she always found a way to make everyone else feel good, She would light up anyone's day with her smile ... we will miss Holly."

An investigation will be launched into the handling of the triple-0 call made when Holly drowned. Police arrived at the scene before paramedics, who were dispatched more than 20 minutes after the call was made.

The Minister, Ms Garrett said the investigation would look into the way the call and dispatch of emergency services occurred and not Ambulance Victoria.

"My focus has been on what occurred at the ESTA [Emergency Services Telecommunications Australia] side of things and I am very concerned there has been some serious issues with that process",

"There was a call made to ESTA, there was a dispatch of Victoria Police and then there was a dispatch of Ambulance Victoria.

"I do not want to go any further into it because it is the subject of the investigation, but just to say we are very concerned it took some 24, 25 minutes for an ambulance to be dispatched onto the scene of what was clearly a very distressing incident in the water." She said.

The Minister also said she owed it to the family to explain how the sequence of events unfolded.

"I am very saddened, on behalf of the Victorian Government and the Victorian community, that the distress this family is going through is being added to, But I assure them and the broader community this investigation will be rigorous, it will be thorough. It will be done with great respect to that family and all of the findings will be implemented." Ms Garrett said.