TWO Brit holidaymakers have died in a tragic drowning in Australia.

Paramedics were called to Shellharbour Beach in New South Wales on Wednesday following reports of two swimmers struggling in the water.

Two Brits in their 60s drowned at Shellharbour South Beach yesterday
Beachgoers tried to save a 66-year-old man and 64-year-old woman, but they were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Off-duty nurses performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

According to police, the pair had been at the beach with family members.

More than a dozen emergency responders remain at the beach where privacy tents have been set up.

The tragedy sparked a huge multi-emergency response including lifeguards and firefighters after receiving reports shortly after 11am.

A rescue helicopter was also deployed to the scene but was not required.

Two off-duty nurses had both been at the beach in between shifts at the time they jumped into action.

Local witnesses spoke to the Illawarra Mercury following the emergency response.

One person said: “It was pretty calm, everyone knew what they were doing.”

“It wasn’t a mad panic, everyone just switched into what they were doing.

“It puts it all into perspective how quick things can go wrong.”

The beach had not been patrolled by lifeguards at the time of the incident.

Police are expected to make a more detailed statement on Wednesday.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Police have since commended the two off-duty nurses and a young man who had initially stepped up to help the couple in distress.

A spokesperson for NSW police said: “This is a tragic incident and our heart goes out to the family.”

NSW police have been contacted for comment.

The tragic drowning comes just days after two fishermen from Sydney drowned on the New South Wales Central Coast over the weekend.

More than 80 people have drowned in Australian waterways since December 1, according to Royal Life Saving Society data.