Woman rushed to hospital after being found face down in the water at beach in Sydney's south

A woman has been rushed to hospital after being pulled unconscious from the water at a beach in Sydney's south.

Emergency services were called to Silver Beach just after 10.30 this morning after reports of a woman being face down in the water, NSW Police said.

The 61-year-old was dragged out of the water by bystanders, who gave her CPR until paramedics arrived.

The woman was taken to St George's Hospital in a critical condition.

"The bystanders did an amazing job, providing resuscitation until paramedics arrived. They should be commended," Inspector Matthew Baxter from NSW Ambulance said.

"It's so important to learn basic CPR skills.

"As we become more active in and around water during the summer months, it's so important that we remain vigilant to the potential dangers - It only takes a few seconds for anyone to get themselves into serious trouble," he added.