A man in his thirties drowned near Ettalong Beach on Saturday, January 6.
A man and child were seen in distress, 50 metres from the shore, in the afternoon and were brought to shore by members of the public.
The man was pulled from the water unconscious and not breathing, the child was conscious and breathing.
CPR was performed on the man by Maritime Services and continued by NSW Ambulance on shore but he could not be revived.
Surf Life Saving NSW lifesavers were called to Ettalong from nearby Ocean Beach patrol at 2.32pm.
Paramedics arrived shortly after and continued CPR before the man was declared dead at the scene.
The death follows the drowning of another man on Christmas Day at nearby Umina Beach.
“This is devastating news for the men’s families and the local community between Umina and Ettalong, with two deaths in as many weeks,” Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said.
“They need time to reflect on these events and grieve the loss of loved ones.”
The January 6 death is the ninth confirmed coastal drowning in NSW this Summer.
“This is not where we wanted to be this Summer,” Pearce said.
“Listen to the experts and heed the warnings from our trained surf professionals and lifeguards.
“Know your limits and know the beaches that are patrolled.
“If you are not a strong swimmer and swimming with young children, there is a greater risk.
“Please stay safe between the flags.”
Beachgoers are reminded to: always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags; read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information; always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other, and always supervise children around the water; and never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising one arm and in an emergency, dial Triple Zero.
For information about patrol times, weather and beach locations visit the Beachsafe Website or Download the App.