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

Off-duty police officer Peter Stone 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.

An off-duty police officer has drowned while saving his teenage son from a rip at an unpatrolled beach in a “devastating” incident on NSW’s south coast.

NSW Police rescue officer Peter Stone dived into rough surf at Bogola Beach, south of Narooma, and brought his 14-year-old son back to safety from the current before he became caught himself on the afternoon of New Year’s Day.

About 1pm on New Year’s Day, emergency services were called to the beach after the 45-year-old father was pulled unconscious from the water by lifesavers.

Paramedics started CPR and tried to save his life, however Mr Stone was pronounced dead at the scene.

He was holidaying in the area with his family when his son got swept out. The beach was unpatrolled by life savers at the time.

Peter Stone, an off-duty police officer, died saving his 14-year-old son from a rip. Picture: 9 News

The Blue Mountains man was pulled from the water unconscious but could not be revived. Picture: 9 News

Acting Inspector Paul Hoyer said on Monday that Mr Stone’s selflessness showed him to be a devoted father and police officer.

“As a father, parent and as a police officer, he was obviously doing what he should be doing,” Act Insp Hoyer said.

“This is a tragedy … it’s devastating.

“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.”

Mr Stone, who served in the Blue Mountains, was on extended leave from NSW Police at the time.

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.