Man drowns off a popular beach despite desperate efforts of surfers to save his life as he floundered in the waves
- Sydney’s Northern Beaches has been rocked by a drowning on Sunday
- Local surfers noticed the man struggling at Dee Why Beach and tried to save him
- Paramedics then arrived and tried to resuscitate the man but were unsuccessful
A rock fisherman has drowned on Sydney’s Northern Beaches after he was found struggling in the water.
NSW Ambulance paramedics responded to reports a person was having difficulty off shore just before 3pm on Sunday at Dee Why Beach.
Surf Lifesaving NSW Dee Why launched a jet ski and inflatable rescue boat and local surfers also assisted as the man was pulled into shore.
Dee Why Beach (pictured) in Sydney’s Northern Beaches is a popular weekend spot
The 59-year-old man had been wearing a life jacket but was unresponsive, the Northern Beaches Advocate reported.
Lifeguards and paramedics initiated CPR on the sand.
They were joined by the critical care paramedic and doctor from the Toll Rescue Helicopter which landed in a nearby park, but were unable to revive him.
NSW Ambulance Inspector David Lambert praised lifeguards and surfers who assisted.
‘We urge the public, if you see someone in distress in the water and you think they need assistance, don’t hesitate to call triple zero,’ he said.
‘The lifeguards did an excellent job to safely get the patient to shore and assist paramedics on scene.’
He urged beachgoers to remain safe as more people visit beaches in the summer months by swimming between flags and looking after each other.
NSW Police were at Dee Why Beach on Sunday afternoon and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
The Toll Rescue Helicopter (pictured) landed in a nearby park with specialist medical staff assist the paramedics
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