Lifesavers were first to reach the man who was on a yacht with his wife, west of the Batemans Bay Bridge, on Sunday, October 24.

Just before 6pm, lifesavers received the emergency call and launched the Far South Coast Branch IRB (inflatable rescue boat) from the Batemans Bay Marina.

Onboard the IRB were two Batemans Bay lifesavers who carried medical equipment, such as oxygen and a defibrillator to the scene.

The Lifesaver 23 rescue chopper located the yacht, says Far South Coast director of lifesaving, Cheryl McCarthy.

"To have eyes in the sky was very helpful as the yacht was moving," Ms McCarthy said.

The IRB reached the yacht and lifesavers began CPR on the man.

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A short time later, Batemans Bay Marine Rescue arrived with paramedics onboard.

"Paramedics continued advanced resuscitation out on the water," Ms McCarthy said.

"After prolonged attempts, they were unable to resuscitate the man.

"Although it was not the outcome anyone was looking for, the different emergency agencies worked very efficiently together."

Ms McCarthy said the IRB was stored in a shipping container at the marina, allowing quicker response times for lifesavers.

"It came in very useful last night," she said.