DROWING IN BAY

A KAYAKER and a police officer have been lauded for “incredible bravery” after trying to rescue a surfer who drowned at Blackmans Bay.

The kayaker dislocated his shoulder and the police officer suffered hypothermia in their efforts to save the man.

“The men acted incredibly bravely and we will certainly be looking at recognising their actions,” police said.

A KAYAKER and a police officer have been lauded for incredible bravery after trying to rescue a surfer who drowned at Blackmans Bay.

Emergency services received several calls reporting a man in jeopardy about 100m from the shore of the southern Tasmanian beach.

A kayaker nearby was joined by a police officer, who swam out to the unconscious man and dragged him to shore, Ambulance Tasmania state operations centre duty manager Anton Bartulovic said.

Paramedics tried to resuscitate the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Tasmania Police Inspector Matthew Richman later said the kayaker was injured while trying to place the stricken man on his surfboard.

“The kayaker, who was on the water, went to the assist- ance of the man and then a police officer entered the water and attempted to assist,” he said. The kayaker had dislocated his shoulder trying to get onto the craft.

He was treated at the Royal Hobart Hospital and was later released.

The police officer suffered mild hypothermia and also was taken to the Royal Hobart and was later released.

“The men acted incredibly bravely and we will certainly be looking at recognising their actions,” Insp Richman said.

Police said they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.