Dad drowns rescuing teen daughter at Back Beach, Black Head, NSW

A man has drowned trying to rescue his teenage daughter who was caught in a rip on Tuesday afternoon.

Tragically, a surfer who went to help them was only able to rescue the girl.  

It was the second such incident in a devastating start to the year for water safety in NSW. 

On New Year’s Day, police officer Peter Stone drowned moments after rescuing his teenage son from a ‘substantial’ rip on the state’s far south coast.

In the latest incident, the emergency services were called to Back Beach, at Black Head on the NSW Mid North Coast about 3pm on Tuesday, following reports that a man had been pulled from the water unresponsive. 

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The emergency services were called to Back Beach (pictured), at Black Head on Tuesday afternoon, following reports that a man had been pulled from the water unresponsive

Police reported the 42-year-old went into the water after his daughter became caught in a rip off the beach, which is about 25km north of the town of Forster. 

The man was then also caught in the rip. 

A surfer saw what was happening and was able to bring the girl to shore.

He then returned, taking the man, who was by now unresponsive, to the beach.

Members of the public performed CPR until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived,  but the man could not be revived.

Officers attached to Manning/Great Lakes Police District also attended the scene and have begun inquiries into the incident.

A report will be prepared for the state Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact police.

Members of the public performed CPR until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived, but the man could not be revived. Pictured is a stock image of a NSW ambulance