A Queensland man who died after rescuing a family at Fingal Head in northern New South Wales has been hailed a hero.

Ryan Martin, 30, from Palm Beach was among several people who jumped into the ocean at Dreamtime Beach to help rescue a seven-year-old girl.

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The girl was unconscious when she was placed onto a surfboard and taken to shore.

Her mother, believed to be in her 30s, was also unconscious when she was rescued from the water.

Paramedics were able to revive the mother and daughter.

One of the rescuers was treated at Tweed Heads Hospital.

Inspector Michael Dempsey said once the child was carried to shore, Mr Martin and a 21-year-old man also had to be rescued.

“They were treated by ambulance paramedics however, one of the men could not be revived and unfortunately died at the scene,” he said.

“The second man, 21, was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital along with the seven-year-old girl and her mother, all have since been released.”

Surf Life Saving Far North Coast emergency coordinator Jimmy Keough said it was a heroic effort by Mr Martin and the other people who went into the water to rescue the mother and daughter.

“It is a tragic start to the Easter long weekend,” he said.

“It was very rough and very treacherous, unstable beach conditions.

“It was the southern side of Fingal Bay, an unpatrolled beach, an open beach.

“We’re asking for people to take care over this long weekend and then continuing on through the off season of the surf life saving period.

“Only swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches and follow any directions given by surf life savers or life guards on duty.”