Peter Stone has been identified as a “hero” cop who died rescuing his teenage son in Bogola Beach, NSW

The “hero” police officer who drowned shortly after rescuing his teenage son from a “substantial” crack on New Year’s Day has been identified as Peter Stone.

The NSW Police rescue officer, 45, dove into rough water at Bogola Beach on the state’s far south coast on Sunday afternoon to carry his 14-year-old son to safety.

But Mr Stone then got caught in the dangerous surf himself and rescue services were called to the beach near Narooma around 1pm.

A helicopter from nearby Moruya spotted him in the water and alerted nearby lifeguards who rushed to the beach.

He was pulled unconscious from the water and paramedics administered CPR in a desperate attempt to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police rescue officer Peter Stone (pictured) drowned on New Year’s Day after diving into rough water on Bogola Beach to carry his 14-year-old son to safety

A police officer drowned after saving the life of a teenager on Bogola beach (pictured) on Sunday

NSW Police Acting Inspector Paul Hoyer said Mr Stone’s selfless actions showed his character.

“As a father, parent and police officer, he obviously did what he was supposed to do,” said Inspector Hoyer.

“This is a tragedy… it’s devastating.”

Mr Stone, who was extended by police and had previously served in the Blue Mountains, was vacationing in the Narooma area with his family.

Bogola Beach was not patrolled by lifeguards at the time of the tragedy.

“As far as I know he was able to push his son out of the crack,” said Inspector Hoyer.

“He was then taken further out to sea in the rift and that will of course be part of our investigation when we prepare an assignment.

“As always, NSW Police and Surf Life Saving always recommend if you wish to go to the beach you swim between the flags on a patrolled beach.”

Police Rescue Officer Peter Stone drowned while holidaying with family on the south NSW coast (pictured)

Police Rescue Officer Peter Stone (pictured) was pulled unconscious from the water and pronounced dead at the scene

Steven Pearce, chief executive of Surf Life Saving NSW, said: “It’s a really, really tragic incident.”

“We have numerous cases every year … where someone goes to the rescue and they in turn become a victim and the person they were trying to save successfully escapes the rift they were trapped in,” he said.

Several Australians drowned during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

NSW lifeguards have already carried out a record 1,000 rescues in the last week alone.

South Coast Police District officers have launched an investigation and will prepare a report for the coroner’s information.

Acting South Coast Inspector Paul Hoyer (pictured) said Mr Stone was doing what he should be doing as a parent and police officer