Despite the best efforts of first responders including Lifeguards, and Paramedics an elderly man couldn’t be revived at Port Macquarie on Thursday.
At around 12:30pm the State Operations Centre was alerted by NSW Police of reports that three men were in distress in the water off Oxley Beach.
Australian Lifeguard Service Port Macquarie Supervisor James Turnham and a Mid North Coast Duty Officer were tasked to attend the incident arriving on scene within minutes.
Upon arrival, James Turnham paddled out on a rescue board to assist a group of surfers who were carrying an unconscious man thought to be in his 70s on their boards.
It is understood that their patient had been in a surf ski in the vicinity of Oxley Beach and Middle Rock when he had become separated from his craft.
The surfers found the man unresponsive and had been paddling for up to ten minutes before they were intercepted by Turnham.
The man was transferred to the Lifeguard Supervisor’s board and was returned to rocks within the harbour where CPR treatment was commenced.
Following this initial treatment, the man was transported back to Marine Rescue Base base where they were met by Paramedics and Police.
CPR treatment continued for another ten minutes, but unfortunately all attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Conditions at the time were a moderate swell of around 2.5 metres although a state-wide Hazardous Surf Warning will remain in place for at least the next 24 hours.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
General Safety Tips During Dangerous Surf Conditions:
- Avoid rock fishing and water activities on exposed beaches/rock-shelves
- Only swim at patrolled beaches, between the red & yellow flags. See BeachSafe for patrolled locations/times
- Check the official Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast before undertaking rock fishing and water activities
- Boaties should seek advice from Marine Rescue NSW and always wear a lifejacket
- If witnessing an in-water emergency dial Triple Zero – Police
Thursday 31 August 2017