The outgoing tide creates a suck hole effect posing traps for the unwary.

For the first time this summer the council posted lifeguards at the beach at the change of the tide but that service finished on Australia Day.

The beach, sheltered from the nor easterlies, is popular with the public but both children and adults can easily be swept out to sea in the strong rips on the outgoing tide.

A 44-year-old Queanbeyan man found himself in difficulties after he went to assist a 10-year-old boy who had got dragged out to sea in strong currents at Merimbula.

The young boy got caught in a rip at Bar Beach on Friday, January 29 at 1pm and was taken out about 1 kilometre.

The Queanbeyan man then went to assist on his boogie board but the strong current was too much for him.

Police said that he signalled for help by raising his arm.

The incident prompted a call to Pambula Surf Lifesaving Club’s after hours crew and the jet ski was tasked to attend but later stood down when an unknown paddler came to the assistance of both the young boy and the Queanbeyan man.

The man in a kayak paddled out to assist and brought both surfers back to Merimbula’s Main Surf Beach.

On Monday afternoon at about 2pm Paul de Zwart, of Merimbula, rescued a woman in her mid 50s after she was carried out on the king tide.

Mr de Zwart, and his partner Jenny James, were on shore at the beach after he’d been out on his longboard which by then was strapped to the roof of their vehicle.

He realised the woman was in difficulties and sprang to her rescue.

“By the time I got to her she was out deep in the ocean.

Mr de Zwart said the rescue was made easier because of the woman’s reaction.

“She did as I told her and did not panic. She was very calm it was a pleasure to save her.”

The volume of water and strength of the tide forced Mr de Zwart to take the woman to Merimbula’s Main Beach.

She was none the worse for her experience and Ms James drove her husband to Ford Park where the couple was reunited. The woman, a retired teacher, has holidayed in Merimbula for 25 years.