Flare sighting, Newport

At 1730 hours, Sydney's Westpac Life Saver was called to Newport on Sydney's Northern Beaches after numerous calls to Triple 0 indicated that a number of flares had been set off some distrance from shore.   Local surf lifesavers were also tasked.   Whilst enroute, Lifesaver 1 was advised that a surf ski paddler had been located offshore Newport and had been rescued by a SLSA rescue vessel; the helicopter's services were no longer required.