A 64-year-old surfer is recovering in hospital after a complex rescue operation from the rocky shoreline at Long Reef on Friday afternoon.
The drama unfolded just after 1pm when a bystander at Long Reef headland spotted the injured man on the rock platform below the popular Collaroy surfing spot and called Triple Zero.
The surfer had fallen from his board while in the water and suffered what appeared to be a hip injury. Despite his pain, he managed to pull himself from the surf onto the rocks, but was unable to move any further in the challenging conditions.
Multiple emergency services responded to the call via Anzac Avenue, Collaroy, including Northern Beaches Police, specialist vertical rescue firefighters from Narrabeen Fire Station, and three NSW Ambulance crews. Among the paramedics was Special Operations Paramedic and NSW Ambulance Supervisor Jo Brigden-Jones.
The rescue teams were guided down the headland by the helpful bystander who had first spotted the injured surfer and made the emergency call.
When paramedics reached the man at the base of the cliff, they found him suffering from both his injuries and mild hypothermia due to the exposed location, cold temperature, and strong winds battering the coastline that afternoon.
Emergency crews developed an innovative solution to transport the patient from the difficult rocky terrain. Firefighters deployed a Fire and Rescue NSW all-terrain wheeled litter known as a ‘mule’ – equipment designed with a large, lightweight wheel and securing system for transporting patients across challenging surfaces.
After paramedics assessed and treated the man for his suspected pelvic injury, they wrapped him in multiple blankets and used a tarpaulin to shield him from the harsh winds. The patient was carefully secured in the specialised litter.
The rescue operation required patience and precision. With regular stops to administer pain relief, firefighters and paramedics wheeled the injured surfer around the base of the headland to the old fishing hut at Fishermans Beach, where conditions were more suitable for transferring him to a waiting ambulance.
The man was transported to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition shortly after 2:30pm, bringing the hour-and-a-half rescue operation to a successful conclusion.
Long Reef is a well-known surfing location among Northern Beaches locals, with Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club describing the area as “partly protected by an offshore reef to the north”. However, the rocky shoreline can present challenges for surfers, particularly during rougher conditions.
The incident highlights both the risks inherent in ocean activities and the excellent coordination between emergency services in the Northern Beaches area. Fire and Rescue NSW Station 068 Narrabeen provides specialised fire and rescue services to the Northern Beaches, while the area is also supported by experienced surf life saving clubs and paramedic teams.
The injured surfer’s condition following his admission to Northern Beaches Hospital has not been disclosed, but emergency responders reported he was stable and conscious throughout the rescue operation.
Published 12-July-2025
