Rock fisher dies after being swept into ocean at Boulders Beach between Lennox and Skennars Head on Sunday afternoon

A rock fisher has died after being swept from rocks and pulled from the water by members of the public at a secluded northern NSW beach. Here’s what we know.

Boulders Beach, Lennox Head. Picture: Geoff Bensley

A rock fisher has died after being swept from rocks and pulled from the water by members of the public at a secluded northern NSW beach.

Emergency services were called to Boulders Beach between Lennox and Skennars Head in the Northern Rivers about 4.15pm on Sunday.

Two men aged 57 and 34 were reported to be in distress in the water.

Boulders Beach. Picture: Mireille Merlet-Shaw

They were pulled from the surf by beachgoers.

Richmond Police District officers began CPR on the older man before NSW Ambulance paramedics continued treatment.

Sadly, the 57-year-old man died at the scene. The 34-year-old man was not physically injured.

Police have confirmed the man who died was swept off the rocks by a large wave while throwing a line in.

Unpatrolled Boulders Beach is described by the state government as “a popular picnic spot and a stop on the coastal path (Lennox Ballina Coastal Path)“ and “a very popular surf break”.

“This is not a patrolled beach,” authorities warn.

Like its name suggests, the beach has more rocks than sand on the shore.

The tragic incident follows a spate of drownings across northern NSW since the start of the year, when lifeguards raised the alarm about the number of deaths.

Emergency services were called to Boulders Beach between Lennox and Skennars Head in the Northern Rivers on Sunday, after two men were reported to be struggling in the surf. A 57-year-old man was pulled from the water but died at the scene. Picture: Savannah Pocock

Earlier this month, it was reported 28 people drowned in waters off the NSW coastline over summer — the highest number ever recorded.

Boulders Beach. Picture: Savannah Pocock

In mid January, father Paul Doran tragically drowned at Seven Mile Beach at Lennox Head while heroically rescuing his 11-year-old daughter Lyra from drowning.

Police have began investigating the latest drowning and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.