NSW Police officer dies saving his own son at Bogola Beach near Narooma

An off-duty police officer managed to save the life of his 14-year-old son but lost his own when he got caught in a rip on an unpatrolled NSW beach.

A man identified as an off-duty police officer has drowned after attempting to save his son, who was struggling in the water at Narooma. Picture: Monique Harmer

It has been a devastating start to the new year after an off-duty police officer died saving his 14-year-old son from a rip on the NSW south coast.

About 1pm on New Year’s Day, emergency services were called to Bogola Beach in a national park at Narooma after the 45-year-old father was pulled unconscious from the water.

Paramedics started CPR and tried to save his life, however he died at the scene.

Police have been told the man managed to save his son’s life before being caught in the rip himself.

The man has since been identified as a serving NSW Police officer, who was off-duty at the time.

The man was holidaying in the area with his family when the boy got swept out from the unpatrolled beach.

Acting Inspector Paul Hoyer said the father was “doing what he should be doing” as a parent and a police officer.

“It’s devastating at this time of year,” he said.

“As always NSW Police and Surf Life Saving always recommend that if you do want to go to the beach, swim between the flags at a patrolled beach.”

Officers attached to the South Coast Police District remained at the scene for some time on Sunday.

Local police have since commenced an investigation and will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.

Originally published as NSW Police officer dies saving his own son at Bogola Beach near Narooma