NSW dad who drowned in rescue a 'hero'

A NSW father who tragically drowned while rescuing his 13-year-old son in a dangerous rip off the state's mid-north coast is being hailed a hero.

The 53-year-old managed to save his son after he raced to his rescue during a family holiday at unpatrolled Boomerang Beach near Forster on Tuesday.

The father struggled in the choppy surf and was rescued from the water by members of the public and a former surf lifesaver, who attempted CPR without success.

Acting Inspector Anthony Atkinson described the father's actions as "heroic".

"Saving the life of his son, (it's) a heroic act, and we'll make recommendations for bravery awards to go through surf life saving," Insp Atkinson said.

It's the second drowning in 16 days at the beach following the disappearance of a 22-year-old man from Orange, whose body has not been recovered.

With NSW school holidays under way and a run of warm weather, police and lifesavers are urging people to take care while swimming.