Forster, Australia— A man drowned Wednesday after being pulled unconscious from waters at Forster on the NSW Mid North Coast. Police confirmed the death at the scene.
The incident happened mid-morning near the main beach break. Bystanders spotted a man floating face down beyond the shallows. Two surfers paddled out and dragged him toward shore. He was not breathing when they reached sand.
Beachgoers started CPR immediately. Lifeguards arrived with a defibrillator and oxygen. Paramedics from NSW Ambulance took over after six minutes. The man could not be revived. Officers said he was in his 50s and from the local area.
NSW Police said in an October 29 statement that the man had been swimming alone. Conditions were described as moderate with a run-out current near the rocks. No surf craft were involved. The beach was not patrolled at that early hour.
Witnesses described a quiet morning. One woman said she saw the man wade in and then disappear behind a small swell. Others thought he was floating at first. The alarm was raised when he did not move.
Forster-Sterling duties officers cordoned off a 30-meter stretch of sand. The council's lifeguard supervisor attended and checked signage. The beach remained open but swimmers were warned to stay out of the northern corner.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner and have asked for any video from the foreshore. The Mid Coast district has recorded three coastal drownings this month. Surf Life Saving NSW has repeated warnings about swimming outside flagged areas.
Paramedics offered support to the bystanders who performed CPR. The man's family was notified Wednesday afternoon. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.
The body was taken to Taree Hospital for formal identification. Investigators have closed the scene pending final statements.
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