THE October long-weekend saw surf lifesavers across the state make 117 rescues, including a near drowning at Birubi beach.
The high number of "significant near-drowning incidents" outside the flags has promoted Surf Life Saving NSW to issue a warning to beachgoers about the dangers of swimming at unpatrolled locations.
About 5.15pm on Monday a man in his 40s was pulled unconscious from the water by a fishermen at Birubi beach, Anna Bay. The swimmer had gotten into difficulty while attempting to rescue another person. The man was treated by surf lifesavers at the scene before paramedics arrived. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
In another serious incident a six-year-old boy was pulled unconscious from the water at The Entrance. He was resuscitated by members of the public and provided with oxygen therapy by surf lifesavers before he was flown by CareFlight helicopter to Westmead Children's Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
Joel Wiseman, director of Lifesaving at Surf Life Saving NSW, said that he was extremely proud of the efforts of volunteer surf lifesavers and lifeguards who worked tirelessly across a very busy long weekend to prevent serious coastal incidents.
"Thanks to the efforts of our surf lifesavers and lifeguards, there were no coastal drownings across one of the busiest October long weekends we've seen," he said.
"Thankfully, most beachgoers heeded the advice of lifesavers and swam at patrolled locations, between the red and yellow flags.
"However, there were a number of serious near-drowning incidents, at unpatrolled locations, that serve as a timely reminder about the dangers of swimming outside the flags.
"We can't stress enough the importance of always swimming at patrolled locations."
