A man has been injured in a skydiving mishap at North Wollongong.
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The man landed in the region of Fairy Creek, which runs between Puckeys Beach Estate and the Lagoon Restaurant, about 11.25am Monday.
Early reports indicate he is a skydiving instructor, and he has suffered suspected spinal injuries.
Contrary to initial reports to paramedics, which suggested a landing in or beside water several feet deep, rescuers are negotiating ankle-deep water in order to reach the injured man.
Police, firefighters and paramedics are at the site and are preparing to lift the man out on a stretcher.
Update, 12.10pm: The man has departed in an ambulance. He remained conscious and appeared in good spirits, waving to bystanders.
The Mercury has approached Skydive the Beach for comment.
Update, 12.40pm: The injured instructor was jumping in tandem when the mishap occurred. The pair landed on the creek’s edge and were dragged a short distance into the water.
The Mercury understands the man’s student was uninjured.
Update, 12.55pm: The injured man is being treated at Wollongong Hospital and his condition is described as stable.
In a statement just issued, a spokeswoman for Experience Co, more commonly known by its former name, Skydive the Beach, said the injured instructor was aged in his 40s.
The spokeswoman confirmed the tandem customer involved was unharmed.
“The man is an experienced skydive instructor and has completed more than 7,000 jumps.”
The man was jumping with a tandem customer at the time of the incident.
“The exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined, but it occurred shortly before he was due to touch down.”