Peter Price says he nearly drowned off Flynns Beach on Valentine's Day this year.

He praised the actions of Port Macquarie Surf School's Wayne "Huddo" Hudson and Soul Surfing's Corey Enfield.

"They saved my life," Mr Price said.

"UK residents - along with other tourists - are not educated on the possibility and dangers of rips and strong currents.

"This was a very sobering experience for me and my family."

There has been a series of rescues along the Port Macquarie coastline in last few days with two backpackers missing off Shelly Beach on February 18.

Port Macquarie student Kale Harris was involved in rescuing two swimmers on Town Beach also on February 14.

The latest spate of rescues has increased discussions to implement extended patrol hours.

Mr Price and wife Geraldine had stopped overnight in Port Macquarie as part of the northern leg of their holiday.

Along with their Sydney-based 24 year old son Peter, the couple decided to stay here again on their return trip.

"We were only here for one night and decided to stay at Flynns Beach," Mr Price said.

"It was around 6pm and we decided to freshen up and take a walk and a swim.

"The beach looked so inviting and beautiful, so I got into the water and was swimming for about five or 10 minutes.

"And suddenly I was literally swept off my feet and was caught in a rip.

"To be honest, I didn't even know what a rip was. But I knew I was in trouble straight away," he said.

Mr Price was swept north toward the headland with Geraldine and son Peter raising the alarm on the beach.

"I managed to grab hold of some rocks. Two guys came over but realised it was too difficult for them to reach me," Mr Price said.

"My son was shouting out to me and I was terrified he may jump in and try to help me.

"I didn't understand how it worked but I was starting to tire out and my body felt like it was shutting down.

"My limbs were as heavy as lead."

Mr Price said he was grateful when "Huddo" and Corey turned up on boards and got him back to shore.

I was sure I was going to die, he said.

Mr Price has personally thanked his two rescuers. He also wanted to thank a female doctor who was at the beach and helped reassure him.

He also praised the paramedics and Port Macquarie Base Hospital staff for their "first class treatment".

Mr Price says he has since discussed his experience with some Australian friends and they recognised what he went through.

"As a tourist, I just didn't see it coming and did not know how to deal with it.

"I just think it is worthy to tell Port Macquarie about the tremendous people involved in this rescue from your area."

Despite his ordeal, Mr Price says it won't deter him from returning to Port Macquarie.

The Port News tried to contact "Huddo" and Corey.

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