An off-duty police officer has drowned while rescuing his son from a rip at an unpatrolled beach on NSW's far South Coast on New Year's Day.
The 45-year-old man rescued his 14-year-old son, who was caught in a rip at a beach north of Bogola Head and south of Narooma.
Acting Inspector Paul Hoyer, from Nowra police station, said the dead man was an officer based in Sydney.
He said the man was dragged out to sea by a "substantial" rip, having managed to push his son to safety.
"This is a tragedy that will cut through to the family, his friends and his work mates," Acting Inspector Hoyer said.
"It's devastating. It's devastating at this time of the year and with the recency of the two deaths in Queensland, it brings home how dangerous policing is.
"As a father, parent and as a police officer he was obviously doing what he should be doing."
Police are investigating the incident and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Chief executive of Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) Steven Pearce said the man's actions saved the teenager.
"Heroically, he was able to assist [the boy] out of danger, out of the rip, but he himself remained in the rip and submerged in front of witnesses," Mr Pearce said.
Lifesavers were called to the beach about 1:30pm and found the man a short time later.
They gave him CPR, but he was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
SLSNSW previously said two boys aged 12 and 15 were rescued from unpatrolled waters at nearby Handkerchief Beach, however, this was not correct.
Surf lifesavers have had their busiest Christmas period in three years according to SLSNSW president George Shales.
A warm summer without COVID restrictions has seen thousands flock to both the coastline and inland bodies of water like dams and lakes.
Mr Shales said more than 1,000 rescues had been performed, and, more than a dozen successful resuscitations had also taken place — primarily on children and young adult men.
"To be really honest, it is it is quite rare for them to be successful," Mr Shales said.
"Those individuals were swimming close to or near a patrolled location, which enables our surf lifesavers and lifeguards to be able to react and respond really quickly — and that's key to having a successful resuscitation," he added.
The organisation is urging people at beaches to be careful over the summer.
"Today is, again, going to be an extremely busy day with these hot temperatures," Mr Pearce said.
"We're pleading with everyone to ensure that, if you are going up and down the coastline today, please find a patrolled location.
"That's anywhere where you'll see lifesavers and lifeguards on duty — anywhere where you see those red and yellow flags flying — because as we've been saying all summer, if our lifesavers can't see you then they won't be able to rescue you."
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