A teenage girl has died after being pulled unconscious from a local pool.

The 13-year-old was pulled from the water at Maitland Aquatic Centre just after 3.30pm.

Lifeguards performed CPR beside the pool until paramedics arrived and took over.

The girl was rushed to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition but could not be revived.

The whole incident unfolded in front of a large group of relatives and one woman collapsed from shock.

"It's just a very sad situation for all the people in the pool and particularly the family," Chief Inspector Tony Townsend said.

Officers attached to Port Stephen-Hunter Police District attended and have commenced inquiries. A report will be provided for the coroner.