Police say the man who drowned in the Murrumbidgee River in Wagga on Christmas Day was with his family when the tragedy unfolded and disappeared under the water despite a friend's frantic attempt to save him.
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Riverina Police Detective Inspector Phil Malligan yesterday revealed the 25-year-old Cambodian man, who was living in Victoria, was celebrating Christmas at Wagga Beach with his wife and extended family.
The man got into trouble after entering the water in a notorious section of the river known as 'The Rocks'.
Detective Inspector Malligan said he could not swim, was fully-clothed and equipped with only a boogie board.
"He lost the boogie board and the individual couldn't swim," he said.
"(The man) was weighed down from the weight of his clothes once they were soaked in water.
"His friend, there at the time, grabbed hold of the boogie board and attempted to retrieve him.
"Unfortunately, the strong currents at the time had sucked him under the water and he went out of view very quickly."
The Murrumbidgee River has been identified as one of the drowning black spots in Australia over the years.
There were 14 drowning deaths in the river during the 10 years to June 30 last year, according to the latest Royal Life Saving Australia report.
"The dangers of the river, and for those who can't swim, are again there," Detective Inspector Malligan said.
"There are plenty of signs down (at Wagga Beach) ... and it's important people ask for advice as to where to go into the river because there are certainly the dangers and here in Wagga we have seen our fair share of drownings."
Despite the inherent dangers of the Murrumbidgee River, Royal Life Saving chief executive Justin Scarr said Wagga City Council was "one of the most proactive" inland councils when it came to minimising river drowning risks.
In June this year, the council adopted its inland water safety management plan, which involves new infrastructure, programs to increase community awareness and other safety initiatives.
An incoming Bush Nippers program will build on the council's efforts to boost water safety knowledge and skills of children in open water environments.
Another initial project from the management plan will be an emergency access boat ramp at Wagga Beach.
Speaking about the Bush Nippers program in August, Wagga councillor Vanessa Keenan said the most effective way to increase river safety awareness was to teach kids the skills and knowledge early.
"We live right alongside one of the most dangerous inland waterways in the country but there is no reason why we can't respect the river and enjoy all it has to offer and for our kids to learn how to do so also," she said.