Man drowns, two sons survive at NSW beach

A man has drowned at a beach on the NSW mid north coast after he and his two sons got into trouble in the water.

The 54-year-old and his sons, aged 11 and 14, were swimming at Tuckers Rock Beach in Bongil Bongil National Park around 5pm on Wednesday when all three got into difficulty.

The boys made it back to shore safely but the man was pulled unresponsive from the water, police say.

Despite attempts from a bystander and paramedics to resuscitate him, he died at the scene.

Other family members were on the beach at the time, police say.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.