Sydney, Australia – Home and Away actor Matt Evans has dubbed himself “a very lucky guy” after surviving a terrifying encounter with a powerful riptide at Sydney’s Bronte Beach. The 27-year-old, known for his role as Theo Poulos on the long-running Aussie soap, shared harrowing details of the incident on social media, urging fans to respect ocean dangers.
A Close Call in the Surf
Evans, taking a break from filming, ventured to Bronte Beach for a casual surf session earlier this week. However, the outing turned perilous when he mistimed a wave and was dragged into a fierce rip current. “The sea was angry that day, my friend,” Evans quipped in an Instagram post, borrowing a lighthearted quote from pal Jaime Robbie Reyne to mask the gravity of the situation.
The actor recounted being violently slammed against submerged rocks, sustaining deep cuts to his hands as he lost control of his board. “I got caught in a rip with a massive set,” Evans later explained. “It could’ve been much worse. I’m just grateful it wasn’t.”
Rescue and Recovery
Quick action by Anthony “Harries” Carroll, a lifeguard featured on Bondi Rescue, proved critical. Carroll assisted Evans out of the water, with the pair later sharing a relieved selfie posted to Instagram. Evans, still clad in his wetsuit, flashed a thumbs-up despite his injuries.
The actor was rushed to Prince of Wales Hospital, where friends, including singer-songwriter Reyne, accompanied him. Medical staff treated multiple lacerations on his hands, though Evans maintained his trademark optimism, posting snapshots of his bandaged limbs with a grin.
A Wake-Up Call for Fans
While Evans downplayed the incident with humor, he emphasized the seriousness of ocean safety. “This is a reminder to be safe out there,” he stressed. “Mother nature can get you if you’re not careful.” His message resonated with followers, many of whom praised his resilience and thanked Carroll for the timely rescue.
From Reality TV to Summer Bay
Evans, who joined Home and Away in 2021 with no prior acting experience, rose to fame after appearing on The Voice Australia in 2020. His rapid ascent in entertainment contrasts starkly with this brush with danger, a reminder of life’s unpredictability.
As he recuperates, Evans remains in high spirits, already back on set filming new episodes. His ordeal, however, serves as a stark warning: even seasoned beachgoers aren’t immune to n
