Two swimmers have been rescued by police and a member of the public after getting into trouble on the South Coast.

The men – aged 18 and 19 – entered the water at Bar Beach in Narooma yesterday afternoon, before being swept about 200 metres out to sea.

A senior constable entered the water with a member of the public and the men were assisted back to shore, where they were assessed by paramedics.

Police say the incident is a reminder for swimmers to make safety a priority when in, on or around the water.