A 76-year-old man has died after being pulled unconscious from the surf at Lighthouse Beach in East Ballina.

Emergency services were called to Lighthouse Parade about 10.20am on Friday after reports a swimmer had been dragged from the water by members of the public.

Police and NSW Ambulance paramedics began CPR on the man at the scene.

He was taken to Lismore Base Hospital in a critical condition.

Police attached to Richmond Police District confirmed the man died in hospital on Sunday night.

Members of Ballina Lighthouse and Lismore Surf Life Saving Clubs were also involved in the response.

In a statement posted on social media earlier, the club said volunteers provided CPR and first aid until NSW Ambulance crews arrived.

The club thanked members involved in the rescue effort and sent its best wishes to those affected by the incident.