The woman was located in a distressed state some 200 metres south of Point Perpendicular.

Members of the Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club lept into action after receiving the call-out, launching the club’s IRB from the clubhouse at North Haven at around 4pm.

The crew said the surf conditions were extremely big and they were initially unable to locate the woman. However, after an inshore sweep, the crew was given some direction from the crowd of people who helped pinpoint the woman’s position.

She was about two hundred metres south of Point Perpendicular.

The IRB crew were able to locate the woman and provide initial first aid before returning to South Beach where police and paramedics were waiting.

The woman’s husband and three daughters were on the beach at the time and the husband praised the actions of the lifeguards Tony Worton and Phil Traves who steered the IRB through high waves – five metres at some points.

The woman was transported to Port Macquarie Base Hospital for further treatment.

The woman is listed in a stable condition in hospital.

4.20pm:

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is on its way to the Mid-North Coast after a person was reportedly caught in a rip.

The service’s spokesperson said it was unclear at this stage where the incident had taken place.

“The helicopter was called to a beach at Laurieton to a reported person caught in a rip,” the spokesperson said.

“I can provide more details as the helicopter is closer to the incident.”

The North Haven beach was patrolled today but volunteers were off the beach by 2.30pm.

The sea conditions were considered rough at North Haven throughout the day.

More details when they are available.