But Stone – who undertook specialist police rescue work – was swept out to sea by the rip,and could not be revived after lifesavers brought his body back to shore.
“As we mourn our mate,we acknowledge the loss of a husband,father and hero,” Blue Mountains Police Area Commander,Superintendent Don Faulds,said.
“Peter had dedicated his professional life to helping the community and had a real passion for rescue operations,particularly here in the rugged mountain terrain,” Faulds said.
“He was always quick – if not first – to offer his help or assistance around the command and his colleagues considered him a mate.”
Paramedics were called to Bogola Beach just after 1.30pm on Sunday and performed CPR on Stone.
Bogola Beach was not patrolled by surf lifesavers but they responded quickly to an emergency call. A helicopter sent from nearby Moruya spotted Stone in the water and surf lifesavers pulled him from the rip,but he could not be revived.