Tributes for off-duty officer Peter Stone who drowned saving his son

Peter Stone, 45, became caught in a rip at Bogola Beach, south of Narooma, about 1.30pm on New Year's Day.

The Police Rescue officer, who was based at Springwood Police Station, was holidaying on the south coast.

A friend and former colleague at Springwood Police Station, Allanah Anson, said he "was absolutely loved and adored by the people he worked with".

"Rather than just be remembered as a policeman who was a rescue operator, he was so much more than that," she told the Gazette.

"I can't think of anyone who would say they didn't like him. He was one of those guys who just drew people to him."

Mrs Anson said Stone was active in the NSW Police Association and had "staunch Labor values".

"The main thing that made Peter different was that he was always really committed to everybody else's welfare. That's why he got involved in the Police Association as a branch official."

Blue Mountains State MP Trish Doyle was among the many people to pay tribute to the officer on social media.

"I know that so many of his family, friends, colleagues and community are hurting, in absolute shock. He was known as a hero, on and off-duty," she posted.

Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill reiterated this sentiment.

"He was a father, a son, a brother, a loved one. He was also a hero to the end," he said.

Current and former police officers also paid tribute. Anthony Loxley posted on Facebook: "To my former workmates and friends who work in the Blue Mountains Local Area Command, I am thinking of you.

"Peter, you are one of life's true heroes, and there are no words that can sum up this terrible tragedy."

At a press conference on Monday, NSW Police Acting Inspector Paul Hoyer from Nowra Police Station said Stone had entered the water to rescue his 14-year-old son who had been "swept out to sea on a rip".

He said he was able to "push his son out of the rip [but] he was then taken further out to sea in the rip" himself.

Stone was pulled from the water but was unable to be resuscitated by NSW Ambulance and Surf Life Saving personnel.

Allanah Anson believes her former colleague would have reacted in the same selfless way, regardless of the circumstances.

"I have no doubt he would have done exactly the same thing if it wasn't his son... He would have done that regardless," she said.

In a media statement on Tuesday afternoon, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb extended condolences to Peter's family and friends.

"Sergeant Stone was well-liked by all those who knew him, and we are not surprised by his selfless actions," said Commissioner Webb.

"His death is a tragic loss to the NSW Police Force and my thoughts are with Peter's wife, family, friends and colleagues during this terribly sad time."

Blue Mountains Police Area Commander, Superintendent Don Faulds, said Peter was exceptional man, a brilliant operator and will be dearly missed.

"Peter had dedicated his professional life to helping the community and had a real passion for rescue operations, particularly here in the rugged mountain terrain," said Supt Faulds.

"He was always quick - if not first - to offer his help or assistance around the command and his colleagues considered him a mate.

"As we mourn our mate, we acknowledge the loss of a husband, father and hero."