A man has died and a woman has been injured after being washed off the rocks by powerful waves at Bondi Beach.
Emergency services were called to Mermaid Rocks after reports of two people in distress in the water around 5:30pm.
The man, aged in his 40s, was pulled to shore with the help of bystanders but couldn't be revived by paramedics and died at the scene.
The woman made her way to shore a short time afterwards and has been taken to hospital in a serious condition after sustaining cuts and abrasions.
Several Westpac Rescue helicopters were seen swarming the north end of the popular beach to help with the search.
"This is an absolutely horrendous outcome for everyone involved, the man's loved ones," Sally Groves, Duty Operations Manager for NSW Ambulance said.
"Paramedics worked closely with other emergency services and did everything possible to try and save his life, but sadly he was unable to be saved."
Ms Groves said beach goers should be wary of entering rough surf.
"No matter what you are doing near the water, please be vigilant. It is not worth risking your life," she said.
The Bureau of Meteorology had forecast large and powerful swell conditions for most of Australia's east coast today.
Hazard warnings were in place for coastal activities like rock fishing, boating and swimming.
