The swimmer was rescued by off-duty lifeguards. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Rayssa Almeida
Off-duty lifeguards pulled a 26-year-old man from the water at Auckland's Piha Beach this morning.
The man has been taken to hospital after being rescued.
A Surf Life Saving spokesperson said an off-duty lifeguard was walking on the beach at 10:50am when they came across a member of the public concerned about a swimmer in distress.
"SAR was immediately activated, and the initial lifeguard was soon joined by a further off-duty lifeguard.
"Lifeguards immediately responded by launching an Inflatable Rescue Boat and rescuing a 26-year-old male patient from the water.
"The patient - who was losing consciousness - was then returned to the beach, where an initial assessment was performed."
They said a Westpac Rescue Helicopter arrived at 11:15am and the patient was transported to hospital.
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