A tragic incident unfolded at a popular New South Wales beach where a British couple drowned, authorities have confirmed.

The couple, a 66-year-old man and his 64-year-old wife, ventured into the waters of Shellharbour Beach shortly after 11 a.m. this morning. Police suspect they may have been caught in a rip current.

Three quick-thinking bystanders, including two off-duty nurses and a young man, noticed the couple in distress and managed to pull them to shore.

According to Inspector Luke Geradts from the Lake Illawarra Police District, it is believed the couple was already unconscious when they were brought onto the beach.

The bystanders immediately began performing CPR on the couple, with some of the couple’s family members witnessing the harrowing scene.

Paramedics soon arrived at the location near Boollawarroo Parade in Shell Cove and made every effort to resuscitate the couple.

Geradts said the couple were unable to be revived and died at the scene despite the best efforts of everyone at the scene.

The couple, who had travelled from the UK to the Illawarra region to visit family, have not been formally identified.

”The relatives are taking it really hard, as you can imagine,” Geradts said.

“We’re working closely with them to assist them as best as we can.

“I want to take the opportunity to commend the members of the public who assisted in the initial response, including female off-duty nurses and a young male, who pulled the couple from the water and gave the couple the best chance of survival.

“Although a tragic outcome today, their efforts are to be commended and really did give the couple the best chance.

“This is a timely reminder of the dangers and the unpredictability of the ocean.

“It’s a tragic incident and our hearts go out to the family who has lost their loved ones today.”

Geradts said conditions were rough at Shellharbour Beach today and early indications suggested the couple was caught in a rip.

He said the scene was “confronting” for emergency services crews.

“It was a large emergency services response and we always take these jobs hard,” Geradts said.

“Any time we have to go to a job like this and see a family lose a loved one, that’s really hard.”

Geradts encouraged people to swim between the flags and go to a patrolled beach whenever it is possible.

“It was pretty calm, everyone knew what they were doing,” she said.

“It wasn’t a mad panic, everyone just switched into what they were doing.

“It puts it all into perspective how quick things can go wrong.”

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

Shellharbour Beach is a popular tourist hotspot located in the NSW Illawarra region.

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