Bravery awards for drowned couple

The scene at South Ballina on the day Sydney couple Joseph and Carole Sherry drowned rescuing their children from a rip.

Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter

A COUPLE who drowned saving their children from the surf at South Ballina Beach last January have been recommended for posthumous bravery awards.

It was the first of two recommendations from the coronial inquest of Joseph and Carole Sherry, handed down by Coroner Jeff Linden at Ballina Court this morning.

He also recommended the National Parks and Wildlife Service urgently liaise with Ballina Shire Council and Surf Life Saving Australia about adequate surf safety signage at South Ballina Beach.

At the inquest, investigating officer, Detective Senior Constable Rowena Freer expressed concern about the size and position of signs placed in the wake of the drowning.
 

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