Rescuers searching for the body of Bigul Pandit have called for swimmers to be respectful and report anything suspicious.
Albury and Border Rescue Squad captain Paul Marshall said those flocking to the river to escape the heat need to be aware of the dangers hidden in the Murray.
He also implored people to be mindful the Nepalese man, 21, was still missing.
Mr Pandit, a university student, was swept underwater last Wednesday at Noreuil Park.
Searches for his body have, so far, been unsuccessful.
“We understand it’s hot and people are going to get in the water but we want people to understand the dangers of the river,” he said.
“The river level rose another four centimetres overnight [into Monday] and there are now snags underwater that are hidden – people need to take extra precaution.”
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Murray River Detective Inspector Winston Woodward said police believe if Mr Pandit was alive, they would have heard from him by now.
“We’re probably going into recovery mode,” he said.
“Unfortunately now as the days have gone by, the possibilities [of being] able to find this young man alive, they are slipping away.”
Mr Marshall asked people to respect a memorial set up for Mr Pandit.
“People need to be respectful of his family and community,” he said.
“We’ve had people swimming ashore where the poor man went in and where a memorial is set up – we’re just asking people to be mindful.”
Mr Pandit’s workplace, Guru’s Start Cafe and Restaurant, has announced it would be closing until January 23.
“Our charming and happy face Bigul has drowned,” owner Guru Ghuman said on the cafe’s Facebook page.
“We tried to be open but couldn’t do, we are broken in pieces from inside (sic), still hope that he is alive and [will] come back.
“Pray for him and feel for his parents and friends.”
Mr Marshall said rescuers were still searching for Mr Pandit’s body and called for anyone comes across anything suspicious or any clothing to call police.
Despite specialised police divers being called off, VRA volunteers and police are still searching the river.
Mr Marshall said have scaled the search back to avoid peak heat.
He said there could be many explanations as to why Mr Pandit’s body had not surfaced yet.
He said swimmers in the area should be mindful the man is still missing and if they see anything suspicious should call Triple-0.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
