Father of three drowns after trying to save his daughter struggling in the surf
A man has drowned attempting to rescue his daughter from the surf at a popular New South Wales tourist beach overnight.
Police said a couple and their three children were only in shallow water at Seven Mile Beach, at Lennox Head, about 6.30pm yesterday, when their 11-year-old daughter was swept out to sea on a body board.
Her father, aged 45, swam out to her but was unable to bring her back to shore.
His wife also swam out and she and the girl were able to reach the beach and alert authorities.
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Two police officers, who were first on the scene, entered the surf in an attempt to find the man but were unsuccessful.
The beach was patrolled until 6pm, Surf Life Saving NSW said.
Surf lifesavers retrieved the man from the surf about 7pm.
Paramedics attempted to revive him but he died at the scene.
The woman and her daughter were treated by paramedics and allowed to go home.
The family is from Lennox Head.
Police have informed the Irish consulate of the man’s death.
Seven Mile Beach, 750kms north of Sydney, was not patrolled at the time.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
