The message comes after a man had to be rescued from Oxley Beach on April 14, less than a fortnight since another man, aged in his 60s died at the same beach, on April 5.

The man who had to be rescued on April 14 was reportedly also aged in his 60s. A passer-by saw he was in trouble and swam out to help him to shore. 

Port Macquarie head lifeguard James Turnham said it was imperative that people only swam to their abilities.

“When heading to the beach, it is always important to only swim at patrolled beaches and between the flags,” Mr Turnham said.

“At the same time everyone is different, so it is also vital that swimmers read the conditions and only swim to their abilities.”

He said with the last two weeks of the 2017/18 season upon us, the swim between the flags message is as strong as ever.

“We have had a rough season at our beaches this summer with a number of drownings but also lifeguards have recorded a record numbers of rescues needing to be performed,” he said.

“Now that is it school holidays again, we have six patrolled beaches across the Hastings so there is no reason not to head to a patrolled beach.”

For the last two weeks in April, Town Beach, Flynns Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Lake Cathie, Rainbow Beach at Bonny Hills and North Haven Beach will be patrolled by bother lifeguards and lifesavers.

“The season will end on Sunday, April 29 and we don’t want anything unfortunate to happen, so head to a patrolled beach if you want to go for a swim.”