Two men have drowned after getting caught in a rip at an unpatrolled area of a beach on NSW's far north coast.
Lifesavers at a beach in Byron Bay were told that man was having difficulty in the water at about 1pm (AEST) today.
The lifesavers were able to rescue the man but were made aware of two others who were missing.
A search began and two men were found submerged and not breathing.
They were immediately put into a rescue boat and taken to the beach, where attempts were made to resuscitate them.
Paramedics took the pair, who were in critical condition, to Byron District Hospital where they were later pronounced dead.
The men, who are believed to be from Brisbane and aged 26 and 28, were reportedly caught in a rip.
Surf Life Saving duty officer Jimmy Keough said the incident highlighted the danger of swimming at unpatrolled areas of a beach.
"A short walk to the patrolled area would have certainly prevented this tragic loss of life," Mr Keough said.
On Saturday, a 49-year-old man from Macquarie Fields drowned after falling on to rocks while fishing in Sydney's south.
