Missing 12-year-old swimmer: Search to resume for Danny after Venus Bay disappearance

A search will resume for a 12-year-old boy who went missing while swimming off a beach over the Australia Day long weekend.

Taylors Hill boy Danny was last seen about 11.30am on Sunday in the water at No 4 Beach in Venus Bay, in Victoria’s southeast.

His family lost sight of him and commenced a search with beach-goers before emergency services were notified shortly after 1pm, triggering a large-scale search.

Local, air and water police’s efforts were aided by members of the Coast Guard, State Emergency Service and Life Saving Victoria.

The boy, described as 170cm tall with a thin build, short dark hair and dark eyes, had not been found by last light on Sunday evening.

Police said the search would resume on Monday morning.

“Anyone who sights Danny, or with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Wonthaggi Police Station on (03) 5671 4100,” Victoria Police said.

A Parks Victoria description of the South Gippsland beach notes conditions include rough surf and strong currents.

“This beach is not patrolled by lifesavers and swimming is not advised,” its website reads.

More than 300 people drowned in Australia in both 2023/24 and 2024/25, with annual totals rising since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last summer, 139 people died in the water, the equivalent of at least one death every day.

This summer’s toll has so far been lower, with 28 fewer deaths than this time in 2025.

Public holidays are a particularly dangerous period, as demonstrated during a spate of drownings during the most recent New Year period.

Australia has also endured an active shark season, with four attacks within 48 hours on NSW beaches.