Chief Inspector Mick Aldridge of the Mid North Coast Police District said witnesses reported seeing a man in distress at about 2.30pm on Thursday, April 5. He was sighted about 50 metres off the shore at the time of the report.

Police and surf rescue were alerted but the man was swept out to sea.

Head lifeguard James Turnham said the on-duty lifeguards at Town Beach were activated and after a search of the water, found the man 90 metres off shore behind the breakers.

His body was returned to shore where NSW Ambulance paramedics commenced CPR with the use of a defibrillator.

Ch Insp Aldridge said witness reports indicate the man was alone and bodyboarding earlier at the southern end of the beach.

Police will continue their investigations.

Oxley Beach is unpatrolled and conditions at the time were considered rough.

Mr Turnham reinforced the need to swim at a patrolled location between the flags.

“Swimming at an unpatrolled beach means that if anything goes wrong, there may not be anyone there who can help. This is a very sad incident and our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends,” Mr Turnham said.