The incident in the Pambula River mirrored one three years ago in the Moruya River, when kayaking children from Sydney were swept 400m out to sea, before being rescued.

A year later, two kayakers were saved in the Tuross River after being swept out in the tide.

Emergency services have also warned boaters to exercise caution after a boat capsized near Pebbly Beach on Saturday.

A family of four was drowned in October 2011 after their boat capsized near Yellow Rock, in the mouth of the Clyde River.

On Monday afternoon, Moruya’s rescue helicopter and lifesavers rescued the two children and an adult kayaker.

Far South Coast Surf Lifesaving director Andrew Edmunds said Eurobodalla and Far South Coast rivers were dangerous in running tides.

“We had a very fortunate escape this afternoon with a great result,” he said of Monday’s incident.

“The outgoing tide caught these individuals by surprise, given its speed and intensity.

Mr Edmunds warned that Eurobodalla beaches were not patrolled during week days at this time of year and urged all to be cautious during the September school holidays.

The Moruya-based Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter was called to the Pambula incident and was also involved in the 2011 emergency in the Moruya River.

A crew member at the time warned that a deep, fast-flowing river could appear deceptively calm.

On Monday, rescuers were called to the mouth of the Pambula River at about 4.24pm after reports that two children had been swept from their body boards.

A paddle boarder helped the children onto a sand bar.

Meanwhile, a sea kayaker was also reported caught in the outflow.

The kayak took on water and capsized.

Mr Edmunds urged anyone witnessing an incident to immediately call 000 and ask for police.

Meanwhile, the rescue helicopter and lifesavers were also called to Pebbly Beach on Saturday when a boat capsized.

Its occupants were diving nearby and reached the beach unharmed.