'Inexperienced' surfer and friend trying to save him drowned in fierce swell
Moderated by Tomas Kauer 
An inexperienced surfer and a friend who tried to save him both drowned during a fierce swell at a Melbourne beach yesterday.
A British national, 36, and his friend, 43, were killed as severe weather whipped up dangerous conditions at Frankston Pier in Melbourne's south-east shortly after 5pm.
It was initially believed the pair had been swept off the pier, but police have confirmed one man was surfing in the choppy water when his board snapped, before his friend jumped in to assist.
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"The surfer was in distress, he wasn't experienced. He had minimal experience," Detective Inspector Melissa Nixon told reporters today.
"It appears he may have only been learning to surf."
Bystanders watched the incident unfold and called triple zero.
Police responded within just 15 minutes, Nixon said.
A Police Air Wing searched the water where the pair were found unresponsive.
The men, who are yet to be formally identified, were winched back to shore but could not be revived.
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A police tactical response operator was taken to hospital following the incident after taking in a large amount of water in the treacherous surf conditions.
He has since been released but was a litte "banged up" following the recovery mission, Nixon added.
Nixon described the deaths as "preventable".
"The weather conditions yesterday were not appropriate to be in the water surfing," she said.
"We had the warnings on the news, social media, everywhere, not to go into the water."
Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam earlier claimed the pair had died after being swept away.
"On behalf of the entire Frankston City community, I extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and loved ones," he said, noting his "profound sadness" in a statement on the council's Facebook page.
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"We share in your grief and stand with you during this heartbreaking time.
"This devastating event is a sharp reminder of the power of nature and the real risk posed by severe weather."
Bolam pledged to enhance patrols along the beach, pier and foreshore precincts, including more lifeguard hours and signage.
"I'd like to thank everyone involved in the courageous rescue effort this afternoon, and our thoughts remain with everyone impacted by today's tragedy," he said.
Police will prepare reports for the coroner.
Next of kin are still being notified.
Wind gusts peaked at 120km/h in parts of Victoria this afternoon as a severe low pressure system brought down trees and cut power to thousands across the state.
The weather system is expected to continue to sweep across Victoria towards NSW overnight, with conditions expected to stabilise tomorrow.
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