A man has drowned on an unpatrolled beach on the NSW Mid North Coast, prompting a warning from surf life savers ahead of the Australia Day public holiday.
Emergency services were called to rocks at Delicate Nobby, north of Port Macquarie, just after 5pm yesterday after reports an unconscious man had been pulled from the water.
Members of the public performed CPR until police and paramedics arrived but the man died at the scene.
Police have not been able to formally identify the man but he is believed to be a Queensland man aged in his 50s.
Drowning risk on Australia Day
The latest drowning marks the 29th coastal drowning death since the start of summer, according to Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA).
"All of those drownings have occurred at unpatrolled locations or outside patrol times," chair Chris Jacobson said.
"We do have some magnificent places right across the country ... but approximately 5 per cent of the coastline is patrolled by life saving services.
"If you are caught in a rip [at an unpatrolled beach] don't panic, don't try to fight the rip ... lay on your back, stay calm, look around and signal for help."
SLSA is urging people to be vigilant about water safety ahead of the Australia Day public holiday, when the coastal drowning risk is four times higher as large crowds flock to the beach.
"Stop, look and plan. If you are going to the beach, stop and make sure there are no rip currents ... look to see if there are other hazards in the area," Mr Jacobson said.
"Plan to stay safe, swim between the red and yellow flags and have some rescue equipment or be aware of what might be around to help.
"If undertaking a rescue, please don't go into the water unaided without something that is going to help you keep afloat."
Mr Jacobson is also reminding anyone planning activities near coastal waterways including rock fishing, boating or paddle sports, to wear a life jacket.
He said it was important people were mindful of drinking alcohol near waterways and urged people to ensure children were monitored at all times.
