Despite the best efforts of surf lifesavers, police, and paramedics a man was unable to be revived after being pulled from the surf at Palm Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches on Friday.
The man aged in his 20s was swimming at the northern end of the popular beach with family members on Good Friday when he got into difficulty and disappeared from sight just after 3:30pm.

His family alerted the patrolling surf lifesavers from North Palm Beach SLSC who informed the State Operations Centre. A full-scale search operation was instigated with a number of emergency service assets all tasked to attend.

Involved in the search were surf lifesavers from North Palm Beach SLSC who crewed an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB), the Sydney Northern Beaches Jet Ski Support Operations, the Broken Bay based Water Police, Marine Rescue and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

A Duty Officer from Sydney Northern Beaches Branch also attended the scene.

The distressed swimmer was located by the IRB and was pulled unconscious from the water.

CPR treatment was immediately administered by the lifesavers as they rushed him to the shore where paramedics took over his treatment.

Unfortunately all efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

The volunteer surf lifesavers involved in the incident will participate in a critical incident debrief, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Volunteer lifesavers will be out in force each weekend and Public Holiday until the 2016/17 season concludes on Tuesday 25 April. Additionally a number of beaches across NSW will be patrolled on weekdays throughout the School Holidays.

Tips For Keeping Safe At The Beach

• Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags, for your nearest patrolled beach check the BeachSafe app or website
• Read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information
• Always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other, and always supervise children around the water
• Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising your arm
• In an emergency, dial Triple Zero Police
• For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafe Website or Download the App