Lucy Bent-Genge and Eloise Lockhart, 26, were patrolling the southern end of the beach near Bulli, about 500 metres away from the flags, as it is a known hotspot for swimmers but has dangerous currents.

At about 3.30pm, Sandon Point Surf Life Saving Club president Ken Holloway was driving home from work when he stopped to take a photo and noticed a woman, fully clothed wading water before getting into trouble.

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"I ran down to notify the girls on patrol, who got into the all terrain vehicle with rescue equipment, drove down about 100 metres and performed the rescue," Mr Holloway said.

"By this time, the woman's son had gone out to try to help his mother.

"The two young girls did a great job in going out and supplying the woman with flotation equipment.

"I also swam out and we were able to drag them back in to shore."

Lucy, 16, said it was her first rescue and she was proud she remained calm.

"Eloise and I jumped in the ATV, she got the rescue tube and went straight in the water and I got the board down from the roof before paddling out," Lucy said.

"She wasn't too far out and could touch the bottom but the rip was near rocks and the current was really strong.

"The woman was relieved to see us but wasn't panicked. She was exhausted.

"The waves were big and the woman was fully clothed so it was hard to get her onto the board so she clung on and we moved her into shore."

Lucy said she remembered her training and kept clam during the rescue.

"I was focused on the woman," she said. "I'm proud of myself. The rescue gives me confidence that I can do another one.

"The woman's family were so grateful we saved her."

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Lucy said she got involved in the life saving club to give back to the community.

Mr Holloway said there had been a drowning death in a similar location at the southern end of the beach two years ago.

He said the death prompted the club to station lifesavers down the southern end of beach on busy days as it was a popular spot to swim despite there being no flags.

"The demographic is changing on the beach. There are more Indian and people of Middle Eastern decent going to the beach," he said.

"While the message of 'swim between the flags' is good, people will still swim closest to where there is a car spot.

"If we have the manpower, we should keep an eye on the places where people are swimming even if it is outside the flags."