Jeremy Peter Worthy's final journey leaves family, friends bereft

Jeremy Peter Worthy posted a final video on Facebook as he struggled in tough conditions off Long Beach, north of Batemans Bay.

Marine Rescue Monaro Regional Operations Manager Glenn Sullivan has expressed condolences to Mr Worthy's loved ones and urged water users in difficulties to call immediately.

He has also pleaded with boaters to alert volunteers before leaving the shore.

Mr Sullivan directed the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner to Mr Worthy's tragic final video, which has triggered an outpouring of love and regret.

Sarah Davis is mourning a "gentleman" who always put other people first.

She said her "Year 10 formal date" was "always trying to help others".

"I am sorry you got lost and I couldn't find you," she said.

She is "gutted" after the loss of a friend who had only a week before checked on her welfare.

"You were checking in on me. I love you Jez."

Melissa Wilson posted her regret at not seeing the video of his plight in time to call for help.

"Jeremy, I wish I had seen this (and) called Marine Rescue," she said.

"I already miss your 'Goodmorning' text."

Megan Hazleton said Mr Worthy was "sorely missed but always in my heart".

A grieving Lorraine Worthy said: "So unfair; fly high mate, we know your with your Dad we love you always and forever."

The 43-year-old man voiced his concerns about wild weather in his video.

Mr Worthy was found in the water after a member of the public saw an empty kayak and notified police about 12.30pm on Sunday, May 24.

Police attempted to resuscitate him until paramedics arrived, but he could not be revived.

In his four-minute live stream from 12.20pm on Sunday, Mr Worthy said did not want to turn his back on the waves.

"This is tiring. It's pushing me where I don't want to go," Mr Worthy said.

"I want to go that way, I'd rather go to Long Beach, but there's probably going to be waves crashing. I won't be able to land without getting busted.

"To go the way I want to go, I've got to turn my back on this. And if I turn my back on this, and a big mother wave comes ... but there's no going back ... it's too far."

He mentions the possibility of calling Marine Rescue.

Mr Sullivan implored anyone to call Marine Rescue if in strife.

"He did bring up on Facbeook he thought about calling Marine Rescue," Mr Sullivan said.

"If at any point anyone feels the need to require assistance, do not hesitate.

"Marine Rescue is not a compliance agency, we're rescue.

"Call triple 0 if you don't know the local Marine Rescue base number."

Mr Sullivan encouraged all water users to log on to Marine Rescue before they head out on to the water.

Water users can log on through the phone app, a phone call to the radio base, or VHF channel 16.

He said to assess weather conditions before heading out.

"As a master, you're always responsible for equipment and checking weather conditions," Mr Sullivan said.

"Make sure all safety equipment on board the vessel is in working service."

Mr Sullivan said it was tough for emergency services in such tragic circumstances.

He said Marine Rescue was tasked by Marine Area Command, however once the person was retrieved, they were stood down.

Tributes are continuing to flow for Mr Worthy.

A Facebook user known as Osborne Osborne urged him to "fly high, mate".

"Forever loved and missed by everyone; you have truly been a good friend."

"RIP my brother," said Michael Crothers

David Blake posted that he would "miss our talks".

Facebook user "BoNita GrAce" said losing someone who had "helped me through a lot" was a tragedy.

"Will miss our great chats," she posted, sending love.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

Go to www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/safety-rules/safety-equipment/safety-equipment-table.html to check the safety equipment list for water users.