Swimmer dies in Sydney rip

A man has died after getting caught in a rip in waters off Sydney's northern beaches, despite efforts from passers-by to save him.

A man contacted police to tell them his friend was struggling in the water about 100 metres off-shore of Fishermans Beach at Collaroy, just before 11am on Saturday.

A nearby fisherman entered the water and was able to reach the man, but he also became caught in the rip.

A third person also entered the water to try to help before a surfer reached the trio and was able to bring the man back to shore.

A number of people started CPR on the man but he died at the scene.

The other two men were able to make it back to shore and were unharmed, police said.