A man has died after he fell off the rocks at Kendalls Point Reserve in Kiama.
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The man was waking around the southern headland of Surf Beach when he went into the water about 2.20pm Friday.
The man was fully clothed when he entered the water.
It is unclear whether he fell or suffered a medical episode.
Emergency services came to his aid, including lifeguards and lifesavers.
He was winched to dry land but could not be revived.
The Mercury understands the man is aged in his 60s and was a visitor to the area.
UPDATE 4.05pm: In a statement just issued, a spokesman for Kiama council said the man was visiting Surf Beach with his family when he slipped on the rock platform, while walking at the northern end of the beach.
The Surf Life Saving NSW State Operations Centre was informed of the incident, with requests made for surf lifesaving assets.
Two duty officers from the South Coast Branch rushed to the site, joined by police, paramedics and the ambulance chopper.
An off-duty lifeguard was first to reach the stricken man. The lifeguard paddled out to him on a rescue board.
The man was winched out and rushed to shore where CPR efforts began immediately, however he could not be revived.
NSW CEO Steven Pearce praised the emergency services for their prompt response under very challenging circumstances.
“The emergency responders did everything possible to try and save the man after this tragic accident.
“Any drowning is a tragedy but to happen at a popular beach during the holiday period is particularly distressing, and our thoughts go out to the man’s family,” he said.
Conditions at the time of the incident were calm, with good visibility and a small swell of approximately one metre.