Two bodies found after a NSW police officer attempted to rescue a student who was swept into a whirlpool in the Blue Mountains

A New South Wales police officer died after heroically trying to rescue a young woman who was swept into a whirlpool in the Blue Mountains.

Emergency services were called to Wollangambe Canyon, Mt Wilson, around 2.30pm yesterday, after the two women disappeared into the Wollangambe River.

The bodies of Sheriff Major Kelly Foster, 39, and the 24-year-old international student were found around noon Sunday. They were recovered by police divers.

Witnesses said Foster tried to rescue the younger woman, who had been tipped off with an inflatable lilo when she was swept into the whirlpool.

The student, who had been living in the Sydney suburb of Chiswick, has yet to be formally identified and police are awaiting confirmation that family members have been notified.

Foster had most recently been stationed at Lithgow in the Central Tablelands.

She was a 10-year veteran with the force who had previously battled breast cancer, said Acting New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.

“Hearing reports that Kelly was trying to help another woman when she died demonstrates her commitment to the community she served and the ability to put the needs of others before her own,” she said.

“Above all, Kelly was a loving and loving daughter, sister and partner.”

Others paid tribute to Foster on social media, and one post remembered her as a “selfless and compassionate person.”

“RIP, my old academy buddy,” read the Facebook post.

“Now you will be remembered as a hero.”

The respected police officer was also asked to be honored with a posthumous award to recognize her bravery.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.