A 41-year-old Canberra woman has died and three people have been hospitalised after being pulled from the water at a NSW south coast beach.

Paramedics arrived at Surf Beach, south of Batemans Bay, at about 2pm to “chaotic” scenes on Easter Sunday.

Emergency services had been told of a number of swimmers in distress and arrived to find 10 people had been pulled ashore.

The woman in her 40s was in cardiac arrest as people tried to administer CPR. She was taken to Batemans Bay Hospital but could not be revived.

A 34-year-old man was airlifted to Canberra Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

A man in his 40s was taken to Batemans Bay Hospital in a serious but stable condition, while a woman in her 30s was also transported there in a stable condition.

One man, believed to be in his 30s, was taken to Moruya Hospital in a stable condition.

NSW Ambulance Inspector Faye Stockman praised members of the public for assisting and said it was a reminder of the importance of CPR training.

“Paramedics arrived to a very chaotic scene, with a number of people requiring medical attention for various conditions,” Ms Stockman said.

“It’s truly heartbreaking to have lost a life here today, especially knowing this group of people was likely enjoying an extended break for the holiday weekend.”

Eight ambulances and a rescue helicopter were all dispatched to the scene.

Police are investigating the incident and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

NSW Police urge anyone with information about this incident to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. 

AAP