Dramatic scenes as man pulled unconscious from water at Ballina beach

A MAN in his 70s was pulled unconscious from the water in a dramatic rescue at Lighthouse Beach in Ballina after being spotted by members of the public and an off-duty surf lifesaver.

Surf Life Saving NSW confirmed multiple emergency services responded to the incident, where CPR was performed.

“A male was pulled from the water at Lighthouse Beach around 10.30am by members of the public and an off-duty surf lifesaving member,” a spokesperson said.

“He was unconscious and not breathing.”

NSW Police and NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived at the scene, continuing CPR before the man was transported by road to Lismore Base Hospital in a critical condition.

NSW Ambulance confirmed there were no reports of a shark incident.

Local surf lifesavers have reminded beachgoers to always swim between the flags during patrolled hours to reduce the risk of incidents.

Beaches across the Far North Coast could be closed over the weekend due to hazardous conditions.