A NSW father who tragically drowned while rescuing his 13-year-old son in a dangerous rip off the state's mid-north coast is being hailed a hero.
The 53-year-old managed to save his son after he raced to his rescue during a family holiday at unpatrolled Boomerang Beach near Forster on Tuesday.
The father struggled in the choppy surf and was rescued from the water by members of the public and a former surf lifesaver, who attempted CPR without success.
Acting Inspector Anthony Atkinson described the father's actions as "heroic".
"Saving the life of his son, (it's) a heroic act, and we'll make recommendations for bravery awards to go through surf life saving," Insp Atkinson said.
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It's the second drowning in 16 days at the beach following the disappearance of a 22-year-old man from Orange, whose body has not been recovered.
With NSW school holidays under way and a run of warm weather, police and lifesavers are urging people to take care while swimming.
