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A teenager caught the attention of an off-duty lifeguard after falling into trouble in big swell off Town Beach.
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At about 10.50am on Saturday, July 22 the 14-year-old bodyboarder was spotted by Marine Rescue about 200 metres offshore.
The teen raised his hand to signal for assistance. Off-duty lifeguard Trent Harrison was in the water surfing and pulled the boy to shore while the Port Macquarie Lifeguard unit was activated.
No more than an hour later, another person was dragged out to sea in the run out tide and required assistance off the north wall at Town Beach.
Paul Rayner, director of Life Saving Mid North Coast branch, said the teen had a mild asthma attack in the water. He was given oxygen and taken to Port Macquarie Base Hospital by NSW Ambulance as a precautionary measure given he had inhaled an amount of water.
Mr Rayner cautioned inexperienced surfers from entering large seas this weekend.
“If you are an inexperienced surfer, I would stay out of the water,” Mr Rayner said.
“If you do go out, go out with a friend and make sure you tell someone you are going in.
“At this time of the year the cold water also causes problems with cramping.”