In short:

A 25-year-old woman has died after being swept into the ocean while rock fishing on the NSW far south coast.

A man who tried to reach her was washed onto nearby rocks and suffered minor lacerations.

Surf Life Saving NSW is reminding rock fishers to wear life jackets.

A 25-year-old woman has died after being knocked into the ocean by a wave while rock fishing on the New South Wales far south coast.

Emergency services were called to North Durras Beach, north of Batemans Bay, about 6pm on Saturday after reports of two people in the water.

Police believe the woman was fishing with a 39-year-old man at Point Upright, a rocky headland at the eastern end of the beach, when a wave knocked her into the surf.

The man entered the water in an attempt to reach her, but was unable to and was washed onto nearby rocks.

He was treated by paramedics for minor lacerations to his arms and legs.

A recreational fishing vessel that was passing at the time found the woman in the water and brought her to shore.

CPR was performed, but she could not be revived and died at the scene.

Police said neither the woman nor the man were wearing safety equipment.

Life jackets 'an absolute essential'

Surf Life Saving NSW chief operating officer Phil Ayres said the death was a reminder of the dangers of rock fishing and the importance of wearing a life jacket.

"Rock fishing is a really dangerous activity, and whilst the ocean might seem calm, there are times when the swell picks up and it is very easy to lose your footing and end up in the ocean," he said.

"Life jackets are an absolute essential part of the kit, as much as your fishing rod and your bait is."

Man 'fortunate' to survive

Mr Ayres said the man who tried to rescue the woman was fortunate to survive.

"If you are going to go in and render assistance, you absolutely must have a flotation device with you so you don't become the second victim," he said.

"In this case, the man is fortunate he didn't lose his life."

Under NSW law, rock fishers in declared high-risk areas must wear a life jacket or risk a $100 on-the-spot fine.

The Eurobodalla Shire is currently not listed as a declared area.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.