One swimmer killed and another fighting for his life after friends pulled them from the surf

By ASHLEY NICKEL FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 07:41 BST, 14 April 2025 | Updated: 09:34 BST, 14 April 2025

A young man has tragically drowned and another is fighting for life after they were pulled from the water at a popular beach.

Emergency services were called to Shoal Bay’s Zenith Beach 220km north of Sydney, about 2.45pm on Monday following reports of two swimmers struggling in the water.

It’s understood the men got into trouble in the surf after losing their footing.

Friends and fellow beachgoers pulled the pair to shore and performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

One of the men was unable to be revived at the scene.

The second man received ongoing treatment at the beach and remains in a critical condition.

The men are yet to be formally identified but are believed to be aged in their 20s.

‘No further information is available at this stage,’ a NSW Police statement read.

Emergency services were called to Zenith Beach (pictured) in Shoal Bay after two distressed swimmers were pulled from the water

One swimmer died at the scene while the other remains in a critical condition. Pictured are emergency responders at the scene 

Photos of the scene showed a large crowd gathered near the water as a rescue helicopter approached. 

Surf Life Saving NSW state duty officer Glen Dunkley was among the first to arrive at  the scene.

‘The conditions today weren’t big, but there was a number of rips in the area that unless people are aware of those, they look like safe places to swim,’ he told the ABC.

‘Unfortunately, in this case, the people were knocked off their feet, from what we understand, and became stuck in that water and were unable to make their way to shore.’

Zenith Beach is south of Tomaree Head – the southern headland of Port Stephens.

It’s a local favourite for photographers and nature lovers. 

Zenith Beach is not patrolled, prompting a warning from authorities.

‘If people do choose to go to unpatrolled locations, we can’t ensure their safety,’ Mr Dunkley said.

A report will be prepared from the corner. 

Two distressed swimmers were pulled from the ocean by their friends with witnesses performing CPR until paramedics arrived

A rescue helicopter was deployed to the scene

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One swimmer killed and another fighting for his life after friends pulled them from the surf

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