In short:

• A 41-year-old man went missing after falling from a paddleboard at Lake Cargelligo on Saturday afternoon
• Police divers located a body on Monday afternoon following a two-day multi-agency search operation
• The incident has prompted questions about water safety as the region heads into the peak summer period

A two-day search for a missing paddleboarder at Lake Cargelligo has ended in tragedy, with police divers recovering a body on Monday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the boat ramp on Lake Street about 3pm on Saturday, 17 January, after a 41-year-old man failed to surface after falling from his paddleboard.

The paddleboard was quickly recovered, prompting an extensive search operation involving Central West Police District officers, specialist police divers from the Diving Unit, members of the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, as well as Volunteer Rescue Association and SES personnel.

Just before 2pm on Monday, 19 January, police divers located the body of a man in the lake. Authorities believe the body is that of the missing paddleboarder.

The incident has cast a shadow over the popular recreational waterway during what is typically one of the busiest times of year for water-based activities across the Lachlan Shire.

Lake Cargelligo remains a drawcard for locals and visitors alike during the summer months, with paddleboarding, swimming and boating among the most popular activities on the lake.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety, particularly during the peak summer period when waterways across the Hay, Balranald, Carrathool and Central Darling regions see increased activity.

Authorities continue to urge anyone using local waterways to wear appropriate safety equipment, inform others of their plans, and assess conditions before entering the water.