Newport Beach: Man pulled unconscious from 'hazardous surf'

Just after 10am the man, who is believed to be a northern beaches resident, was surfing with friends at the southern end of the beach when he went under a wave and then resurfaced in an unconscious state.

NSW Surf Life Saving spokeswoman Donna Wishart said the man's friends went to his aid straight away.

READ ALSO: Beaches man faces court after stabbing, second person charged

"They paddled over to him and signalled to the shore for help," she said.

"The surf was quite large and they couldn't get in, so they just kept him afloat."

Ms Wishart praised the quick response of lifesavers on duty at the time.

"The IRB was on the water within 60 seconds," she said.

Paramedics, police, firefighters and the CareFlight rescue helicopter were called to the scene, and the unconscious man was brought back to shore.

"They commenced CPR and after about four or five compressions he started vomiting, but was still unconscious," Ms Wishart said.

CareFlight's on-board doctor intubated the man and he was then transported by road ambulance to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition.

READ ALSO: Get breaking news from the northern beaches as it happens

While he left the beach conscious and breathing, Ms Wishart said there is always a "high risk of secondary drowning" after an incident like this.

"It's where there's water in the lungs," she said. "You might resuscitate him and they seem ok and then 24 to 48 hours later then can essentially drown again because of the water that's in the lungs."

NSW Ambulance Inspector Chanan Kurth there is a potential to rapidly decline in condition after inhaling sea water.

READ ALSO: Freshwater class ferry to go back to work amid plagued Emerald rollout

"Drownings can occur in seconds, we have to be constantly looking out for each other," she said.

A hazardous surf warning had been issued on Friday by Surf Life Saving NSW, and the alert remained in place across the weekend. Conditions were still rough on Monday with 'dangerous current' signs erected by SLS crews.

Have something to say? Send a letter to the editor at: editor@northernbeachesreview.com.au

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: