Elderly woman drowns swimming at Red Rocks Beach, Phillip Island

AN ELDERLY woman has drowned while swimming with her family off the coast of Phillip Island.

AN ELDERLY woman has drowned while swimming with her family off the coast of Phillip Island.

The 78-year-old Doncaster woman was swimming at Red Rocks Beach, Cowes just before 5pm Wednesday when the alarmed was sounded by family members who lost sight of her.

Beachgoers launched a search to find the missing woman and she was picked up by a passing boat after being spotted 300m offshore.

She died at the scene.

Police are preparing a report for the coroner and are urging anyone with information on to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.