Police have ended a search for a swimmer missing on the Mid North Coast of NSW after CCTV confirmed he returned safely to shore.
Police added he might not have any idea he was at the centre of a widespread emergency search also involving Surf Life Saving NSW and Marine Rescue NSW because he has not been identified.
Officers were called to Nambucca River in Nambucca Heads about 1.10pm (AEST) on Tuesday following reports that a man who was wearing a red or white cap and “swimming in the direction of the ocean” had failed to resurface.
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Police called the search off three hours later after footage revealed he had made it back to land.
“Following inquiries, police viewed CCTV footage which showed the swimmer — who remains unidentified — returning safely to shore a short time after the initial report,” NSW Police said.
Police thanked the community for their assistance.
The emergency comes three weeks after a search was launched for two stand-up paddleboarders believed to be missing off the coast of Nambucca Heads.
A beachgoer raised the alarm when she spotted them roughly 1km out from the shore, but they had disappeared when crews arrived 20 minutes later.
Police later confirmed the paddleboarders had returned to shore and informed authorities they were safe.
