A 50-year-old woman has drowned and two family members were rescued from a rip at a Coffs Harbour beach on the New South Wales mid-north coast.
Emergency crews rushed to Park Beach at Coffs Harbour about 5.20pm on Tuesday after a woman swimming with a young family member was swept out to sea.
Paramedics said a third family member was also rescued from the rip.
NSW Ambulance inspector Chris Wilson said the woman was in cardiac arrest as she was pulled from the water.
The woman was unable to be saved and pronounced dead at the scene.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
NSW Ambulance Inspector Chris Wilson said there had been “many instances” of near-drownings and drowning episodes this summer and the tragic incident was a reminder to swim between the flags when lifeguards were on duty.
According to Royal Life Saving Australia statistics, there were 35 drowning deaths in Australia last month alone.
