Several beaches in the area were closed at the time due to the dangerous conditions created by the former tropical cyclone Seth.

The woman, who is believed to be in her 40s, was pulled unconscious from the water by members of the public shortly before 1 p.m.

Despite attempts by witnesses and paramedics to resuscitate her, she died at the scene.

Police said the woman was on vacation from Sydney, but was waiting to notify the family before revealing the woman’s identity.

“The former tropical cyclone Seth, currently located about 400 km east of the north coast of New South Wales, today brings big and powerful waves, dangerous surf conditions and strong winds. gale force on northern coastal waters, ”a warning from the Bureau of Meteorology said.

Already this year, five people have died in drowning incidents on the Australian coast.

Since the start of December, there have been 19 coastal drownings, a peak of 19% from last year.

“Summer and the holidays are a great time to be on our shoreline with family and friends and we want everyone to enjoy this time and come home safe,” said Adam Weir, Managing Director of Surf Life Saving Australia.

“For this reason, we urge all who visit our coastline to take simple steps, such as swimming on the beaches patrolled between the red and yellow flags.”