French man drowns off Tasmanian beach

A French man has died after becoming caught in a rip off a Tasmanian beach.

The 29-year-old went swimming off Swimcart Beach, in the Bay of Fires Conservation Area on the state's east coast, about 5.30pm on Friday.

"The man entered the water but was quickly caught in a rip," Tasmania Police said in a statement.

"He then became exhausted and was pulled further out to sea by the strong undertow."

A surfer went to the man's aid, and brought his unconscious body to the shoreline.

He could not be resuscitated despite the efforts of an ambulance paramedic and a volunteer.

The man had been camping in the area with a companion.