An “inexperienced” British surfer and a friend who jumped in to save him have been identified as the two men who died in rough waters off a popular pier in Victoria during wild winds on Wednesday.

Emergency services were called to Frankston beach in Melbourne’s south-east after reports of two men in trouble in the water about 5pm, as the state was lashed by intense wind gusts.

In a press conference on Thursday, Victoria police inspector Mel Nixon said the men, who were found unresponsive in the water, were a 36-year-old British national and his friend, a 43-year-old man, whose nationality was not specified.

Nixon said the British national, whom she described as an “inexperienced” surfer, was in the water and became distressed when his board broke. The other man jumped in to attempt to help him but both men began to struggle.

The pair were yet to be formally identified.

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Nixon said responders were on scene within 10 to 15 minutes of a call for assistance coming in from a bystander, describing it is a “confronting situation” for onlookers.

“The weather conditions yesterday were obviously not appropriate to be in the water surfing, whether you’re experienced or you’re not experienced. It is a risk that you take that you put other people in danger,” she said.

The police’s Air Wing helicopter unit came to assist, and both men were winched back to shore using a police helicopter, but could not be revived.

Nixon said a police tactical operator also needed treatment after taking in a large amount of water during the rescue. He was taken to hospital with minor injuries and has since been released.

“He’s had to go in twice,” Nixon said. “As I said, they’re very experienced. They do this often.

“Do not go swimming or surfing in conditions like this when we know that it’s going to be treacherous conditions. You put yourself at risk. You put people that jump in to help you at risk. You put the emergency services at risk.”

Nixon said although the investigation was in its early stages, it appeared the 36-year-old “may have only been learning to surf”. She advised the public against jumping into water to perform rescues in extreme weather conditions.

In a statement, the Frankston city mayor, Kris Bolam, said the “devastating” event was “a sharp reminder of the power of nature and the real risk posed by severe weather”.

“I ask everyone to stay safe, remain vigilant, and if in doubt, stay off the water and away from exposed coastal structures until conditions improve.”

Nixon said on Thursday morning that police were still in the process of notifying next of kin. Reports will be prepared for the coroner.

– with Australian Associated Press