A man died after he went swimming at a Coffs Harbour Beach on Saturday, December 11.
The middle-aged man was pulled from the water at Park Beach, about 300m north of the patrol flags and was initially semi-conscious and breathing.
Surf Life Saving NSW volunteer lifesavers administered CPR after the man became unresponsive and NSW Ambulance paramedics continued to administer first aid when they arrived on the scene.
The Westpac Helicopter was also called to assist.
Despite the consistent and considered efforts of those on scene, the man passed away at the location.
A Surf Life Saving NSW spokesperson said welfare was provided on scene to those involved and further support will be offered.
More than 60 rescues were performed in NSW by volunteer surf lifesavers over the weekend of December 11 and December 12.
The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2021 revealed a spike in drowning deaths in 2021 with unfamiliar locations, exhaustion, and interruptions to regular swimming during the COVID-19 pandemic considered key factors.
The report, which was released in September, showed there were 294 drowning deaths in the past 12 months across Australia's coastline, inland waterways and pools.
The number of drownings was 20 per cent higher than the previous reporting period.
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