A 65-year-old man has tragically drowned at Pambula Beach in the Bega Valley over the Australia Day long weekend.
Emergency services were called to the popular South Coast beach around 5:20pm on Monday after reports of a swimmer in trouble.
Director of Far South Coast Surf Life Saving, Emma O’Neill, said the man was swimming not far from where the flags had been set up about half an hour after they had finished up.
“A really tragic event shortly after our patrol had packed up for the day, a gentlemen found himself in distress,” Ms O’Neill said.
“A brave civilian conducted a rescue from the water and notified off-duty lifeguards who commenced CPR but unfortunately he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
The summer drowning toll has risen to 13, with Ms O’Neill reminding beachgoers to swim between the red and yellow flags while patrols are on duty.
“Following the school holidays our patrol hours have been reduced to four hours,” she said.
“So have a look on the BeachSafe App, all the beaches along the Far South Coast will be patrolled at a different four hour timeslot based on the riskiest times identified at that beach, so if you download the BeachSafe App that will tell you where the flags are up and when.
“The water has been looking relatively safe around the coast over the last week but we have had some nasty currents lately, so just be extra vigilant before entering the water and know that sometimes the risk is not visible from the land.”
Police from the South Coast District are investigating the incident, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Pambula Beach is a patrolled location and a popular spot for locals and visitors.
Tathra Beach is the only beach along the Far South Coast that has weekday patrols continuing throughout February with all other main beaches reverting to weekend volunteer patrols until ANZAC Day.
Authorities said the tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks associated with swimming and the importance of beach safety.
Images: Splash Internet, ARN
