Coroner to investigate Patonga death

A report will be prepared for the Coroner following the death of a man in Patonga on Saturday, January 12.

Police and other emergency services were called after five people got into difficulty in waters off Patonga Beach just before 2:30pm.

Early inquiries indicated four children were swimming in Patonga Creek when they were taken out by a tide into seas off Patonga Beach.

A man, aged in his 60s, tried to rescue the children before he also got into trouble.

Onlookers came to their aid using a boat, pulling all five from the water and taking them to shore.

Members of the public commenced CPR on the man until police and other emergency services arrived.

Attempts to resuscitate him proved unsuccessful.

None of the children were injured.

However, one was taken by ambulance to Gosford Hospital for observation.

A full investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information about the incident who hasn't already provided a statement should call Gosford Police on 4323 5599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media Release, 12 Jan 2013

NSW Police