Man pulled unconscious from surf at Sawtell beach, Coffs Harbour

A man was pulled from the surf at a NSW beach, as Nippers visiting from a Sydney club took part in an annual carnival.

Holiday crowds and a group of children taking part in a surf program watched on as a man was pulled unconscious from the surf at Sawtell on Wednesday morning.

NSW Ambulance paramedics were called to the southern end of the beach about 10.15am, following reports someone had suffered a medical episode while in the water.

A man was pulled from the water unconscious at the southern end of Sawtell Beach on September 28. Picture: Frank Redward.

“The man in his 40s was pulled unconscious from the water by lifeguards and was given oxygen on the shore, where he regained consciousness,” a NSW Ambulance spokesperson said.

“He was transported to Coffs Harbour hospital in a stable condition.”

Sawtell is a popular beach south of Coffs Harbour and patrolled in peak times by City of Coffs Harbour council lifeguards.

A man was pulled from the water unconscious at the southern end of Sawtell Beach on September 28. Picture: Frank Redward.

A representative from the council lifeguards said the incident unfolded during an annual Manly Nippers program to prepare youngsters for the summer ahead.

He said the Manly club’s own water safety crew were the first responders and council guards offered secondary assistance.

More details to come.