About 2am on Sunday an intoxicated 20-year-old man from Cooma was walking in a group along the cliffs when he fell an estimated 15-20 metres onto Shelly Beach.

However, it wasn’t until 7am that he was noticed missing and the alarm raised.

Volunteer Rescue Association, surf lifesavers, police and ambulance attended the scene and the man was examined by a doctor before being transported to the Tathra sport ground by ambulance.

The rescue helicopter then flew the man, who suffered two broken arms, suspected spinal injuries and multiple cuts and bruises, to Canberra where he is a stable condition.

Sergeant Justin Marks from Bega police said it was a timely reminder for anyone who has been drinking and walking home to make sure they stayed on well-lit, properly constructed pathways.

“This man is very lucky to be alive after such a fall so whether you are a local or a tourist, always stick to the proper pathways,” he said.

In another accident on Sunday, a motor cyclist was hit by a motor vehicle at the intersection of Tathra Road and Sapphire Coast Drive.

“It appeared the cyclist went to turn and the vehicle ran into him,” Sgt Marks said.

The 55-year-old motor cyclist was taken to Bega Hospital where he was yesterday in a stable condition.

Police are still investigating the accident.

Sgt Marks said that generally police were happy with the conduct of people over the New Year period although there were 15 arrests for various offences on the Far South Coast.

Sgt Marks also reported 22 traffic infringements and 53 offences of minors consuming alcohol.

There were 46 drivers caught for speeding which was “disappointing” according to Sgt Marks who pleaded with everyone on the roads to “please slow down and arrive safely”.

“We had 83 police active between Batemans Bay and Eden which included plainclothes officers, the dog squad, water police and other specialised police,” he said.

“In Bega we have four police from Griffiths and Narrandera to assist us at this time and one thing we are doing is reminding tourists to make sure they secure their belongings in camping grounds.

“We have had several reports of surfboards and wetsuits and other items being stolen so we ask people to secure their campsites and report any suspicious activity.

“While the holiday period has been pretty good so far let’s make sure we keep it that way, especially on the roads and in the water, which both have the same drink-drive laws.”