WA Today

Devastated family pays tribute to Perth student who died free-diving

Reporting 27 March 2024 - WA Today

By Rebecca Pepiatt

A man who died while free-diving off the coast of Mandurah on Sunday has been remembered as someone who had a “passion for life” and embraced every moment.

Sam Hamilton, 21, was kayaking with a friend on Sunday near Dawesville when a dive turned fatal.

Hamilton had been underwater before he floated back to the surface semi-conscious.

He later stopped breathing and was given emergency first aid while an EPIRB was activated which notified police of their location.

Water police deployed a rescue vessel and an RAC Rescue helicopter, and a St John ambulance paramedic was lowered into the vessel to continue giving emergency first aid.

But Hamilton could not be revived.

According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, receiving pre-dive medical checks to evaluate specific bodily systems that may be particularly vulnerable before free diving is important.

“However, it is important to note that although a rigorous pre-dive medical check can improve safety, it cannot remove all of the risks,” the study said.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.