The 41-year-old man from Bangladesh and two other males were standing on the rocks at Bombo Headland, around 3.30pm on Sunday, April 14, when a large wave swept him into the water.

"They were apparently taking photos of each other on the rocks when a large wave came," Surf Life Saving (SLS) South Coast Branch president Stephan Jones said.

"He was under the water when one of our lifesavers pulled him up and took him to Bombo Beach.

"When paramedics arrived CPR was already underway."

SLS duty officer Shane Wicks was among those called to the emergency.

"Those rocks are rough at the best of times, there's a lot of water movement," he said.

"It was challenging conditions when they [lifesavers] entered the water. They did an exceptional job of retrieving him and bringing him back to the beach."

Bombo has been the scene of multiple drowning tragedies with swimmers caught in rips and people swept off rocks while fishing.

In December, 2023, a family was rescued from a notorious part of Bombo Beach.

Volunteer lifesavers involved in the retrieval operation on April 14 have been in a debrief session and offered counselling.

"A lot of our young members are very resilient because they've got good training and they've always got more experienced members with them," Mr Jones said.

NSW Police were called to the scene and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Observing the water for at least five minutes, but preferably 10, can save your life.

"If you're going onto any rock platform you should always take the time to observe the water," Mr Wicks said.

"Sets can be from five to 20 minutes long.

"Those freak waves are often just the bigger waves in sets."

Kiama Council lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers have begun their autumn school holiday beach patrols and will be on duty at the following beaches:

Lifesaving patrol season comes to an end on Sunday, April 28. It will return in the October school holidays.