By Braden Keith on SwimSwam
Australian life guard and swim coach Ray Nicol has died after an alleged hit-and-run in Hervey Bay, Queensland. Nicol, 57 spent the last 30 years as a coach and lifeguard.
Nicol was hit by a car near his home at 4:30AM on Friday. He was rushed to a hospital, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
20-year-old Riley John Groves has been charged in his death. Police allege that Groves fled the scene and did not help the injured coach. He has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, failure to remain at the scene and render assistance, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and drugs and weapons offences.
Nicole was a legendary local lifeguard and coach who worked at the Hervey Bay and Maryborough aquatic centers.
- A GoFundMe account has been started to raise money for funeral costs and to support his wife Fiona.
An outpouring of positive messages came from the local aquatics community, including in the comments on this Facebook post from the Hervey Bay Triathlon Club.
One person, Tristan Anderson, said “The man who taught so many to swim with a dedication that was pure and unwavering, the steady guidance of a sure hand and the heart of a genuine top bloke. You’ll be missed Rayzor!”
Nicol was scheduled to compete in the Hervey Bay 100 Triathlon the weekend after he died.
Read the full story on SwimSwam: Beloved Australian Swim Coach & Lifeguard Ray Nicol Dies in Alleged Hit-and-Run
