A young man has tragically drowned and another is fighting for life after they were pulled from the water at a popular beach.
Emergency services were called to Shoal Bay’s Zenith Beach, 220km north of Sydney, about 2.45pm on Monday following reports of two swimmers struggling in the water.
It’s understood the Nepalese nationals got into trouble in the surf after losing their footing.
Friends and fellow beachgoers rushed to their rescue and pulled the pair to shore.
Members of the public and police performed CPR on both men until paramedics arrived.
One of the men, 24, was unable to be revived at the scene.
The second man, 25, was treated at the scene and rushed to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.
Photos of the scene showed a large crowd gathered near the water as a rescue helicopter approached.
Emergency services were called to Zenith Beach (pictured) in Shoal Bay after two distressed swimmers were pulled from the water
One swimmer died at the scene while the other remains in a critical condition. Pictured are emergency responders at the scene
Surf Life Saving NSW state duty officer Glen Dunkley was among the first to arrive at the scene.
‘The conditions today weren’t big, but there was a number of rips in the area that unless people are aware of those, they look like safe places to swim,’ he told the ABC.
‘Unfortunately, in this case, the people were knocked off their feet, from what we understand, and became stuck in that water and were unable to make their way to shore.’
Zenith Beach is south of Tomaree Head – the southern headland of Port Stephens.
It’s a local favourite for photographers and nature lovers.
Zenith Beach is not patrolled, prompting a warning from authorities.
‘If people do choose to go to unpatrolled locations, we can’t ensure their safety,’ Mr Dunkley said.
A report will be prepared from the corner.
Two distressed swimmers were pulled from the ocean by their friends with witnesses performing CPR until paramedics arrived
A rescue helicopter was deployed to the scene
