NSW Police said emergency crews rushed to Park Beach around 5:20pm on Tuesday after a woman swimming with a young family member was swept out to sea.

The child was pulled from the waters but the woman, aged in her 50s, was found unresponsive a short time later.

NSW Police said CPR was performed on the woman but she was not able to be revived. 

Police established a crime scene and will prepare a report for the coroner. 

Paramedics said a third family member was also caught in the rip.

That person and the child were taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital for further assessment and treatment, both in a stable condition.

NSW Ambulance Inspector Chris Wilson said there have been "many instances" of near-drownings and drowning episodes along the mid-north coast.

"Please be vigilant and only swim between the flags, at patrolled beaches, during the hours when lifesavers and/or lifeguards are on duty," he said.

Eight people have now drowned at NSW beaches since December 1, including two on Christmas Day at the Central Coast, two on separate occasions at Port Stephens, and one on the Far South Coast near Bermagui.

Original Story By | Tessa Flemming