Local lifeguards saw the man, described as an experienced surfer fall from his board about halfway down the beach near the break wall around 9.46am on Thursday, April 11.

Suffering from pain down his arm, the man was transferred from the beach to Port Macquarie Base Hospital by ambulance for further assessment.

Port Macquarie lifeguard supervisor James Turnham said the incident was an unfortunate accident in normal surf conditions.

"Lifeguards saw it happen and rushed down to give him a hand," he said.

"You never know when these things will happen, this is the third spinal injury incident in the last few weeks and all were taken to hospital as a precaution.

"Each season it's common to have a few spinal precautions."

Mr Turnham said holidays were about to start and he would encourage swimmers to choose those beaches which were patrolled.

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