The pair in their 60s were announced dead at the popular beach after members of the public pulled them to the shore and performed CPR until the paramedics arrived

A married British couple have died after tragically drowning on the coast in Australia when visiting family.

The pair, in their 60s, were in the water on the NSW South Coast on Wednesday, March 11 when the horrific events unfolded.

Emergency services were called to Shellharbour Beach at Shell Cove, roughly two hours south of Sydney, shortly after 11am following reports that two swimmers were struggling in the water.

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A 66-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman were pulled to the shore by beachgoers, with off-duty nurses reportedly performing CPR until paramedics arrived.

A short time later, NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived and continued CPR; however, the man and woman couldn’t be revived and died at the scene.

According to the force family members of the couple were at the scene.

NSW Police have commended the work of two off duty female nurses and a young male in helping the couple.

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

A report will be prepared for the coroner.