A man has died after being swept into surf at Yamba yesterday afternoon.

Police have been told a man was in shallow water with a friend at Pippi Beach about 2.30pm yesterday (Monday 26 February 2024), when he was swept into the surf.

He signalled for help before disappearing.

Emergency services were alerted and a search began involving officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District and Marine Area Command, Surf Life Saving NSW, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter from the Gold Coast, and NSW Ambulance paramedics.

About 6pm, the man was spotted by the helicopter crew and retrieved by surf-lifesavers; however, he was unable to be revived and died at the scene. Police have been told the 24-year-old man was visiting from Sydney with a friend. 

The beach is not patrolled.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.