A woman has drowned after being pulled unresponsive from the water at a popular tourist spot.

Emergency services were called to a beach on Lord Howe Island, NSW, about 10.30am on Wednesday following reports of a person in distress.

Members of the public pulled the 54-year-old woman ashore and began CPR before police and hospital staff arrived to assist.

Despite efforts to revive her, she was taken to hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

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Officers from the NSW Police Force have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and will prepare a report for the coroner.

The World Heritage-listed island, located about 600km off the NSW coast in the Tasman Sea, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and world-class snorkelling.