Drowning reported at newly opened at Penrith Beach

A man has been reported drowned at the newly-opened Penrith Beach in Western Sydney in a Boxing Day tragedy.

The man entered the water with a paddleboard before he went under and failed to resurface early yesterday afternoon.

NSW Police and NSW Ambulance paramedics were called about 2.35pm and the beach was shut.

Boats were in the water and a helicopter hovered overhead looking for the man’s body throughout the afternoon before it was confirmed that he had been found. Police divers were also on the scene.

NSW Police then advised “following a search, the body of a man, believed to be aged in his 30s, was located about 6.15pm.

“He is yet to be formally identified; however, is believed to be that of the missing swimmer.”

Nine newspapers reported that lifeguards were on duty, but that the man was swimming outside the designated swim zone.

NSW Police said a report would be prepared for the Coroner.

Opened to the public just last week, the attraction has not reopened today.

Images: The Penrith Lagoon (top) and the beach at its opening last week (below). Credit: NSW Department of Planning.