A 67-year-old Canberra man had to be rescued by helicopter this morning after he was swept away while rock fishing just south of Batemans Bay.

Just after 8am, the man was knocked over and washed into the ocean while fishing at Garden Bay. He was not wearing a lifejacket, but managed to pull himself out onto the rocks and call Triple Zero for help.

Due to the tide and swell, he was only accessible by water and air.

Surf Lifesavers arrived aboard an Inflatable Rescue Boat with first aid equipment and oxygen while a rescue crewman was winched down by the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter to provide first aid.

They had support from an SLS Duty Officer on land and an IRB crew on water, stabilising the patient for 90 minutes before an ambulance helicopter arrived to transport the patient to hospital.

“There is a large swell running which was breaking over the rocks,” said Far South Coast SLS branch duty officer, Andy Edmunds.

“There are big gaps between swell periods, which is probably why he came unstuck. The conditions are quite dangerous which is why the call was made to use the chopper.”

The man sustained cuts to his body and hands and was administered pain relief.

“It’s going to be a very busy weekend on our beaches, there are lots of tourists around and the weather is looking good. Volunteer patrols will be on duty at our seven surf clubs, so please head to a patrolled location and make sure you wear a lifejacket if boating or fishing,” said Mr Edmunds.

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