A surfer has died at Margaret River despite the best efforts of fellow surfers.

A WA police spokesperson said the 55-year-old man was pulled from the water at Main Break just before midday on Wednesday.

He said a group of surfers carried out CPR in a bid to save the man, until St John Ambulance volunteers arrived and took over. 

The man was believed to have suffered a medical episode, and his next of kin were at the beach when he died. 

South West District Superintendent Geoff Stewart praised the surfers who tried to revive the man, describing their actions as "heroic".

"Unfortunately we see a number of deaths each year on our beaches, and on the water," he said. "It has a significant impact on all people, and definitely on first responders."

"It's a terrible thing, and it's tragic — not least for family and friends."

Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and a report would be prepared for the coroner.

// GEORGIA LONEY
© Australian Broadcasting Corporation.