Leah Stewart: Shark attack victim honoured at Coogee Beach swim out with thousands of attendees
Coogee Beach was flooded by swimmers who gathered to honour Leah Stewart, who was mauled by a suspected great white shark last weekend.
Thousands of swimmers have hit the water in honour of the teacher attacked by a shark last weekend.
Leah Stewart, 34, was mauled by what is believed to have been a 3.5m great white shark on June 13.
She was swimming less than 30 metres offshore and inside the flags at Sydney’s popular Coogee Beach at the time.
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The 34-year-old has since undergone several surgeries, including an amputation of her arm.
On Sunday, an event organised by Coogee Surf Life Saving Club and Randwick City Council saw thousands visit the beach for a swim-out.
A statement from the Stewart family was read to attendees, which confirmed that the 34-year-old remained in the intensive care unit.
“Leah loves coming here and she has pushed more friends and family to be here,” it read, as reported by Sunrise.
“This is exactly how Leah would have wanted to be a part of today, would have wanted today to look like.
“She’s always been at Coogee Beach, whether it be for Anzac Day dawn service honouring her grandad, or pushing the pram for a walk along the coast, a swim at the beach, a play at the park, or a coffee with friends and family.”
The family said Ms Stewart moved to the area last year with her partner and, based on the outpouring of love and support, they had made the right decision.
Swimmers at the beach were protected by lifeguards on jetskis, inflatable rescue boats, and surveillance drones.
Surprisingly, SMART Drumlines, used to lure and catch sharks with bait, were removed for the event.
The state government told the ABC this was to avoid anyone being snagged on a drumline’s hook.
Randwick mayor Dylan Parker said it was important to support the community and their return to the ocean.
“This is what community at its best looks like,” he said.
“Being out there with the thousands of swimmers, you can just feel the warmth in what was pretty fresh water.”
A barbecue held after the event acted as a fundraiser for the Stewart family.
Earlier this week, Joshua Stewart provided an update on his sister, who remains on life-support.
“She is still in ICU and has required extensive surgery this week,” he said.
“She remains on life support. The doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital have been amazing, as have the highly skilled teams of surgeons.”
“Leah has been admitted for more highly complex surgery today involving multiple Specialist teams from St Vincent’s.
“Given the extensive open wounds contaminated with sand and debris, the risk of infection is extreme.”
Mr Stewart said the family was “blown away” by the support they had received.
A GoFundMe established to help support Ms Stewart, her partner, and her baby daughter raised more than $460,000 since it was launched three days ago.
In addition, the family have been inundated with messages of support, as well as those delivering food, nappies, and supplies to the family.
