A man has drowned on a beach when rescuers found him face down in the water after getting caught up in a suspected rip tide.
Emergency services, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, was called to Pretty Beach in New South Wales on Sunday afternoon.
But despite their best efforts to resuscitate the man, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man believed to be aged in his 30s was found face down on Pretty Beach in southern NSW
The man is believed to be aged in his 30s and was not breathing when he was located by rescuers.
First aid was given to the man until paramedics arrived and the helicopter later winched the man into the aircraft to begin CPR.
The incident happened around 30km north of Bateman’s Bay on the state’s Far South Coast at 2.30pm.
A spokesman for New South Wales Police said they would be investigating the circumstances of the tragedy and are preparing a report for the coroner.
In a statement, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue said: ‘Despite valiant efforts of the crew and paramedics, male was unable to be revived. RIP.
‘He was earlier located face down in the water and winched aboard the helicopter where CPR was commenced, before landing at nearby Merry Beach.’
Despite efforts by the emergency services the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene
A police spokesman said: ‘Emergency services were called to Pretty Beach, about 30km north of Batemans Bay, at 2.30pm following reports a man had become distressed in the water.
‘The man, believed to be aged in his 30s, was found face down in the water.
‘Attempts to revive the man were made until NSW Ambulance Paramedics arrived, and he was pronounced deceased.
‘Officers from the South Coast Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.’
Beachgoers have been reminded about how to stay safe when visiting the beach this summer
Police also reminded beachgoers to make sure they are aware of the risks associated with the sea and how to stay safe in the water.
‘The incident is a timely reminder for swimmers to make safety the priority when in, on or around the water this summer,’ a NSW force spokesman said.
‘Always swim between the red and yellow flags, read and observe the safety signs, ask a lifesaver/lifeguard for safety advice.’
Advice also includes swimming with someone else, supervising children, never getting in the water after drinking or taking drugs.
A key point they have also raised is how to identify a rip.
Surf lifesaver Kenny Jewell explained how to find one and what to do if you get caught in a rip.
‘A rip is usually the area void of wave activity and appears darker and deceptively calmer,’ he said.
‘Always take 5-10 mins when you get to the beach to observe surf conditions and identify where these areas are.
‘If you are caught in a rip, DO NOT PANIC. Go into floating mode and raise one arm as a distress signal when possible
‘Obviously the safest place to swim is always between the flags on a patrolled beach, but this isn’t always practical given the immensity of our coast line.’