The boardwalk over the dunes to the beach was reopened shortly after 8pm.
From the viewing platform overlooking the sea,a rip current was visible in the surf near where the tragedy occurred.
Footprints still covered the sand hours after the rescue efforts,and markings remained where the air ambulance landed earlier.
Lifeguards and paramedics responded to the distressed group just after 3.30pm,traversing a gravel track off a main road to get to the coast.
SES crews were also on the scene. Victoria Police said a report would be prepared for the coroner about the non-suspicious deaths.
Local emergency services have already dealt with several other drownings nearby this summer.
Twelve days ago,about two kilometres north-east of Forrest Caves,a man drowned near the township of Surf Beach.
Another man aged in his 20s died at Kilcunda Surf Beach,also on the Bass Coast,the same day – January 12.
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In Melbourne,paramedics were also called to an incident at Frankston beach about 4.10pm on Wednesday involving a primary-school-aged girl.
Ambulance Victoria said the girl was taken to Frankston Hospital in a stable condition.
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