A tourist has died after being caught in a rip at a Gold Coast beach.

It’s understood a group of four swimmers were swept out to sea near Palm Beach on Saturday afternoon, sparking a massive emergency response including surf lifesavers from three clubs and a police helicopter.

Three of the swimmers were rescued safely from the water.

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Paramedics desperately tried to revive the fourth swimmer, a man in his 20s, but he could not be saved.

The tourist became caught in a rip at Palm Beach. Credit: 7NEWS

Paramedics could not revive the tourist. Credit: 7NEWS

It follows five drownings over the festive period across Australian beaches.

Authorities are urging the public to make water safety a priority by preparing before they leave home and remaining vigilant around the water.

Rough conditions up and down the east coast have required surf lifesavers to perform hundreds of rescues across the nation’s beaches since Christmas Day.

- With AAP.