One dead, two critical in tragedy at Victorian beach

A woman who was passing by was able to bring the men to shore one by one as others on the beach attempted resuscitation.

One couldn't be saved and was declared dead at the scene, while the other two were flown to hospital in a critical condition.

A report will prepared for the coroner by police.

Four people died at an unpatrolled beach on Victoria's Phillip Island in January, in what was the state's most deadly drowning event in about two decades.

There were 55 coastal drownings across the country this summer, with 19 of those taking place in Victoria.