A man has died after being pulled unconscious from the water while competing in the Noosa Triathlon.
The 53-year-old man from Beaumaris, Victoria, was pulled from the water at Main Beach in Noosa Heads about 7.50am on Sunday.
The man was competing in the Noosa 40th anniversary race when fellow athletes found him unconscious in the water towards the end of the swim.
Emergency services, including water safety and medical personnel, removed the man from the water and performed CPR, but were unable to revive the athlete.
A report is being prepared for the coroner. However, the man’s death is considered non-suspicious.
A spokesperson for Noosa Triathlon said the organization was “deeply saddened” by the man’s death.
Organizers also thanked competitors, first responders and paramedics for their efforts to save the man.
“Our condolences go out to the athlete’s family and friends, to whom we will continue to offer our support,” organizers wrote on Facebook.
“Out of respect for the athlete and his family, we will have no further comment at this time,” the spokesperson said.
It comes after competitors celebrated their triathlon victories, including Ashleigh Gentle claiming a record 10th title and Kiwi Hayden Wilde winning his first in a new best time on the course.
The event, which consists of a 1.5km race, 40km cycle and 10km run, is considered one of the sport’s top races, with this year’s triathlon attracting more than 7,000 participants.
The man’s death is believed to be the third fatality among competitors in the history of the Noosa triathlon.
In November 2004, amateur athlete Peter Semos, 37, died on arrival at hospital after suffering a heart attack while 3km from the finish at the end of the running portion of the race.