Woman drowns at Hawkes Bay beach

Blackhead Beach. Photo / Hawkes Bay Today

A woman has drowned after being caught in a strong rip in southern Hawke's Bay today.

Police were called to reports of a woman and child being carried out to sea at Blackhead Beach, 81km south of Hastings, about 12.30pm, Senior Sergeant Marty Edghill said.

The pair were rescued by people on a boat, who then administered CPR to the woman, without success.

The child was all right, Mr Edghill said.

Police are referring the woman's death to the coroner.

- NZPA