Queensland man dies while surfing with son at New South Wales beach

A south-east Queensland man has drowned while bodyboarding with his son at a northern New South Wales beach.

The man, who lived in the Moreton Bay region, and his son were body boarding and surfing at Main Beach in Yamba on Friday morning.

Main Beach at Yamba.Credit: Google Maps - Srdjan Serge Komadina

New South Wales police said the victim "disappeared under waist-deep water" about 9.20am.

Northern New South Wales lifeguard co-ordinator Scott McCartney said the victim's son saw his father floating face down in the water.

The man's body was brought back to shore by lifeguards with two off-duty nurses and an off-duty detective also rushing to help.

Mr McCartney said lifeguards tried to revive the man for about 10 minutes and a defibrillator was also used on the beach.

Paramedics arrived quickly and took the man from the scene, but he was declared dead at Maclean District Hospital.

Police said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon that the man was believed to have suffered a medical episode.

Mr McCartney said no one heard the man call for help or saw him show any signs of distress.

"It happened quite quickly ... It's one of those grey areas, we're not sure how it occurred," he said.

"The surf was two to three feet high so it was not treacherous conditions.

"I’ve been personally involved in a few drownings, it's very unfortunate and upsetting for the family involved, especially when they come to enjoy themselves.

"My thoughts are with the members of the public and lifeguards, it was nice to see so much community help when it happened."

A report will be prepared for the coroner.