A rock breakwater off the Adelaide coast continues to be a spot where people swim despite three recent drownings, warning signs and ongoing dangers, an inquest has been told.
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Thiery Niyomungere and Frank Ndikuriyo, both aged 11, drowned on New Year's Day in 2016 after getting into trouble off Glenelg Beach while 15-year-old Nitisha Negi drowned in December 2017 at the same location.
Opening an inquiry into the three deaths on Monday, deputy coroner Anthony Schapel was told that despite warning signs being placed at the breakwater, restrictions on activities and patrols by surf lifesavers, people continued to swim in the area.
Volunteer surf lifesaver Lisa Harvey, who was patrol captain on the day the two boys drowned, said the area was dangerous because of surging waves which did not break and could easily take people's feet out from under them.
"The currents are continuous and can sweep you away quite quickly," she said.
Since the deaths signs have been placed in the area warning people not to swim, but Ms Harvey said many continued to climb on the rocks and enter the water.
She said while there had been no further deaths since the signs had been in place, the potential for tragedy continued as people did not heed the warnings.
"The dangers are still there," she said.
Australian Associated Press