Despite the best efforts of emergency services a man has drowned after getting into difficulty while surfing on Sydney’s Northern Beaches on Tuesday.


It is understood that the local man, an older surfer, was out on the water at Little Avalon (a reef break) on the southern end of the beach when he became distressed shortly before 9am.



It is not clear at this stage if this was due to a medical episode.



A group of 5 or 6 other surfers were in the vicinity and were able to pull their stricken friend to shore where they raised the alarm.



CPR treatment was immediately commenced by the surfers and off-duty Avalon Beach surf lifesavers who had rushed down from the clubhouse to offer their assistance.



Lifesaving assets including the Sydney Northern Beaches Support Operations and Avalon Beach Call-Out teams, and Pittwater Lifeguards were all placed on standby after reports of the unfolding incident emerged, but ultimately they were not required.



When paramedics arrived they took over the treatment of the man while an ambulance helicopter was tasked to dispatch a doctor to the scene.



Despite the best efforts of everyone involved including CPR treatment that lasted for well over 40 minutes, the man sadly could not be revived.



Beach Safety Tips




  • 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 one arm

  • In an emergency, dial Triple Zero Police

  • Don’t forget to be sun safe by remembering to: Slip on some protective clothing, Slop on some sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Slide on a pair of sunglasses, Seek some shade and Sip on lots of water to stay hydrated

  • For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafe Website or Download the App.



Tuesday 21 August 2018


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