In an attempt to save his teenage daughter from a rip at Back Beach, north of Forster on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, a 42-year-old father perished.
Just before 3 p.m. this afternoon, NSW Ambulance crews were called to the unsupervised beach close to Black Head.
Before paramedics arrived, members of the public attempted CPR on the man, but he was unable to be revived.
Police were informed by witnesses that the man dove into the sea when he saw his daughter caught in a tear.
The man also was captured while attempting to save his daughter.
Before going back to help the man, a surfer nearby was able to drag the girl to shore, but he was unconscious.
Police have blocked off access to the beach and have begun their investigation.
Over the summer break, there have been a number of drownings, with 25 fatalities reported nationwide.
Three deaths on the state’s beaches in as many days, according to Surf Life Saving NSW, who reported over 1,000 rescues during their busiest season in three years.
A 27-year-old man passed away yesterday at New Brighton Beach on the far north coast, and off-duty police officer Peter Stone, 44, drowned on New Year’s Day while saving his son on NSW’s far south coast.
