Beach death and rescue prompt warnings to check patrol times Camden Haven by News Of The Area - Modern Media - February 7, 2025 One man died after swimming at Bartletts Beach on Tuesday, while a second was rescued from North Haven on Sunday. SURF life savers and Council lifeguards are reminding swimmers to check post-holiday patrol times, following two emergencies off Camden Haven beaches in a matter of days. On Tuesday, 4 February, a 74-year-old man died after being pulled from the water at Bartletts Beach, near Jordan Avenue in Bonny Hills. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The alarm was raised around 3.40pm when the man was found unconscious in the water. A member of the public administered CPR as officers from the Mid North Coast Police District, NSW Ambulance, and Surf Life Saving NSW responded. The swimmer was taken to Port Macquarie Base Hospital (PMBH) in a critical condition but could not be revived. On Sunday, a man in his twenties was rescued from the surf at North Haven Beach. He was found face down in the water but was semi-conscious. Local surfers dragged him to shore and used a board to carry him to a waiting ambulance. He was taken to PMBH in a stable condition. A spokesperson for Port Macquarie Hastings Lifeguards said the incidents were a timely reminder that, now school holidays are over, patrol times have changed. “Lifeguard weekday patrols have ceased at many locations,” they advised the public. “We urge people attending the beach to swim during patrol times at patrolled locations, which can easily be found on the beachsafe.org.au website.” President of the Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club Kate Dwyer, said she was “grateful to volunteer in a community where people care for one another on land and in the ocean”. “Our volunteer surf lifesavers patrolled Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays over the summer holidays. “Outside school holidays, the flags are up each Sunday, 10am-2pm. “Calling Triple Zero when lifeguards and lifesavers aren’t on duty is the best way to get help as quickly as possible. “As first responders, our call-out team can be deployed 24/7 when alerted by emergency services.” Ms Dwyer also recommends downloading the BeachSafe app to find out when beaches are patrolled and the hours surf lifesavers are on duty. “The app also gives information on local beach hazards and weather. “Anyone keen to learn beach safety skills can join our surf club and enrol in online and in-person training sessions. “Visit our website camdenhavenslsc.com.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.” By Sue STEPHENSON
