A man died on Sunday afternoon trying to save two young boys from a dangerous rip at a beach.
Emergency services were called about 4.30pm to Wollongong City Beach, where four children were reportedly in trouble in the water.
As they were on their way, four men all tried to rescue the children, but one of them got into trouble himself.
A man, 32, has died after braving a dangerous rip to try and save a 12-year-old boy at Wollongong City Beach
The boy, 12, was trapped with his three siblings, all of whom had been saved before the Victorian man ran in to try and save him
The father of the children went in first and managed to save his two youngest children with no issue.
He was followed in by an off-duty paramedic in his 40s, who rescued the 10-year-old boy.
A third man, 32, entered the water but became trapped in the rip himself when he reached the remaining 12-year-old child.
A surfer, also 32, came to their rescue – but while he was able to help the young boy to shore, his would-be saviour was swept out to sea.
Police at the scene were able to bring the Victorian man back on to shore, but they were unable to revive him.
He was later pronounced dead at Wollongong Hospital.
The off-duty paramedic and the young boys, 10 and 11, were taken to the hospital for further assessment.
Surf life saving patrols do not recommence at the beach for two more weeks, the Illawarra Mercury reported.
All four children are understood to be safe and well, but the 32-year-old man was pronounced dead in hospital
Surf life saving patrols do not recommence at the beach for two more weeks