Dad drowns trying to save young daughter swept away on bodyboard

A father has tragically drowned trying to save his 11-year-old daughter who got washed out to sea on her body board at a NSW beach near Byron Bay.

The 45-year-old man, his wife and their three children, were swimming in shallow water at Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head, when the daughter was suddenly swept out by the waves, NSW Police were told.

Trying to rescue her, the man swam after her but was unable to bring her back to the shore and disappeared from view. His wife also swam out and was able to rescue their daughter, with both of them swimming back and reporting the situation to authorities.

Two police officers attended the scene but were unable to find the father, who is believed to be an Irish national. Half an hour later at 7pm, the 45-year-old's body was discovered by surf lifesavers in the water. The beach was not being patrolled at the time.

NSW Ambulance also attended and paramedics tried to do CPR on the man but sadly he was unable to be revived and died at the scene.

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The woman and her daughter were treated by paramedics for their injuries and were able to go home. The family were local residents.

The incident comes after a slew of drownings during the holiday period, most recently an off-duty NSW officer dying while trying to save his 14-year-old son who was caught in a rip.

Officers from the Richmond Police District have alerted the Irish Consulate of the man’s death and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Anyone with any information about the incident is also urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or on their website.

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