A woman has died and three other people are in hospital after being pulled from the water at a beach on the New South Wales south coast on Easter Sunday.
Ten people had to be rescued from the ocean at Surf Beach, about 8km south of Batemans Bay, by surf lifesavers and members of the public.
NSW police said emergency services were called just after 2pm to reports of a group of swimmers in distress.
A woman in her 40s was treated at the scene, before being airlifted to Batemans Bay hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
Three other swimmers, a woman and two men, were assessed at the scene and taken to hospital, with one man airlifted to Canberra hospital.
The other swimmers did not require hospitalisation.
In a statement, NSW police said a search of the beach was conducted to see if there were any other swimmers requiring assistance.
“The Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Surf Life Saving Australia Helicopter conducted an overhead search of the beaches to ensure no one else required assistance,” police said.
“Officers from south coast police district have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident and a report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.”
NSW Ambulance inspector Faye Stockman praised members of the public for assisting and said it was a reminder of the importance of CPR training.
“Paramedics arrived to a very chaotic scene, with a number of people requiring medical attention for various conditions,” Stockman said.
“It’s truly heartbreaking to have lost a life here today, especially knowing this group of people was likely enjoying an extended break for the holiday weekend.”
Eight ambulances and a rescue helicopter were all dispatched to the scene.
