Children watch parents drown

Three siblings watched from the shore as both parents drowned off a remote beach in northern New South Wales after their mother reportedly entered the ocean to help two of them trapped in a rip tide.

The two returned to land safely but their mother became caught in the rip. As she struggled, her husband went to her rescue and got into difficulty himself.

One of their two teenage daughters called emergency services while their young son ran to the caravan park where the family were staying. By the time rescuers arrived, both adults were dead. The tragedy happened about 7pm on Tuesday at South Ballina Beach, where the Sydney family was holidaying.

A fellow caravaner pulled the 42-year-old man from the sea, but could not revive him. The local surf boat and rescue located his wife, 44, lying face down in the water, unconscious. She, too, could not be resuscitated.

Lifeguards yesterday reminded the public of the risks of swimming off unpatrolled beaches, or after hours. More than 40 people have drowned around Australia since Christmas Eve: 71 per cent more than last year.

The children, aged 17, 14 and 9, are being looked after by relatives, and are said to be deeply traumatised.