Man believed to be in his 50s drowns at Narrawallee Beach on the NSW South Coast

A man has died after becoming distressed in the water at a beach on the NSW South Coast, adding to Australia’s terrible toll of drownings this summer.

A man who became distressed in the water at a beach on the NSW South Coast has died, in another tragic drowning in Australia this summer.

At least 82 people had drowned around the country between December 1 and February 2, up on the 73 deaths for the same period last summer, according to Royal Life Saving Australia.

The death of the man at Narrawallee Beach, near Ulladulla, on Monday afternoon adds to the toll.

NSW Police say emergency services were called to reports of a man in distress in the water about 3.30pm.

A man believed to be aged in his 50s has died drowning at Narrawallee Beach near Ulladulla on the NSW South Coast. Picture: Istock

South Coast District officers, NSW Ambulance and Mollymook Surf Life Saving and the Toll Rescue Helicopter attended.

Paramedics performed CPR on the man believed to be in his 50s, but he could not be revived.

A police spokesman said a report would be prepared for the coroner.

Narrawallee Beach is a popular spot for learning to surf and for families. The southern end often has long breaking waves, ideal for learning to surf.

In January, Dr Will Koon, the national manager of drowning prevention strategy at Royal Life Saving Australia, said the swimming capabilities of Australians are not what they used to be.

He said more needs to be done to combat declining swimming abilities.

“We are very fearful that swimming skills are decreasing in this country, we really need a big-picture strategy where Aussie children are given the skills they need to survive.”

Originally published as Man believed to be in his 50s drowns at Narrawallee Beach on the NSW South Coast