• Seven drowning deaths reported along Australia's east coast over Easter weekend.
• The majority of fatalities were due to strong ocean swells washing people into the sea.
• Search continues for two individuals still missing after incidents this weekend.
• Surf Life Saving Australia warns about hazardous conditions and urgent safety measures.
• Authorities urge visitors to prioritize patrolled beaches for safety.

Australia's eastern coast has faced a tragic Easter weekend, with reports confirming seven drowning deaths as hazardous waves wreaked havoc on the shores. Most fatalities occurred due to individuals being swept into the ocean from rocks as high swells battered the coastline, according to BBC.

Among the deceased is a nine-year-old boy who became trapped between rocks at a beach in New South Wales on Sunday. Emergency responders retrieved him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Earlier, a fisherman also lost his life near Wattamolla Beach, the New South Wales police confirmed. Authorities have expressed concern, revealing that strong swells contributed to these tragic incidents throughout the holiday period, as highlighted by Channel News Asia.

Search operations are ongoing for two individuals still missing in the surf since Friday, one off the coast of Sydney and the other near Melbourne. Just this weekend, Surf Life Saving Australia indicated it had conducted over 150 rescues, underscoring the dangerous conditions. Surf Life Saving CEO Steven Pearce described the situation as "the worst spate of drownings on record for the Easter long weekend," according to South China Morning Post.

In response to these tragedies, officials have reiterated safety warnings, urging beachgoers to remain vigilant and utilize patrolled beaches to mitigate the risk of drowning. The Australian prime minister offered condolences, emphasizing the need for caution among families, as highlighted by New York Times.