The NSW drowning toll has risen to 45 following the death of a surfer at Crescent Head on the state’s Mid-North Coast Today (Tuesday)
A man believed to be in his 50s was surfing at the popular spot when he was struck in the head and lost consciousness at around 2.50pm AEST. It is not clear whether he fell and struck his head on rocks or if he was struck by his board.
He was pulled to shore by his fellow surfers which included an off-duty doctor and former surf life saving club members.
The group had commenced CPR in the water and initially struggled to get the man to shore owing to the sweeping conditions caused by the geography of the beach.
Eventually they were able to get the stricken man onto a grassy area near the rocks and continued treatment.
The State Operations Centre was notified of the incident shortly after 3pm by Duty Officer who was holidaying in the area and witnessed the man being pulled from the water by the surfers.
The State Duty Officer was not involved in the resuscitation efforts, but did assist by providing a communications link directly to centre who were able to task an ambulance to attend as well as logistical support.
Attending paramedics continued to perform CPR for a further 20 minutes but all efforts to revive the man were unsuccessful.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.