A swimmer has died at Freshwater Beach after being found unresponsive in the ocean pool on Thursday afternoon.
The man, thought to be in his 60s, was spotted floating in the rock pool at the northern end of the beach around 12.15pm on 2 October.
Beachgoers quickly pulled him from the water and started CPR while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
Police and Surf Life Saving NSW personnel took over resuscitation efforts until NSW Ambulance paramedics reached the scene. A specialist medical team was also flown in by helicopter.
Despite prolonged attempts by emergency responders, the man could not be saved.
The popular swimming spot was cordoned off with police tape following the incident, with the rock pool and nearby headland platform closed to the public for the remainder of the afternoon.
Northern Beaches Police detectives arrived at the scene about 2pm to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. Officers were observed examining a backpack near the pool’s edge as part of their enquiries.
One witness who saw the emergency response unfold described feeling distressed by what she observed.
A report will now be prepared for the NSW Coroner.
The incident has cast a shadow over what is normally a busy and beloved swimming location for Freshwater residents and visitors to the Northern Beaches.
Published 2-October-2025
