A helicopter search is underway for a man who went missing while swimming in a group at Auckland’s Piha Beach this afternoon.
Lifeguards witnessed the group being swept out to sea in a rip at around 4pm, according to a Surf Life Saving spokesperson. Police said six swimmers were involved.
“Police are aware five swimmers were rescued. However, the sixth member of the group was not located,” a spokesperson said.
“Search efforts are ongoing to locate this man,” police said.
“The police Eagle helicopter has also deployed to assist with aerial-based searches.”
An Auckland Coastguard patrol helicopter has also been called to join the search.
United North Piha and Karekare search and rescue squads have been deployed to help search for the missing man, a Surf Life Saving spokesperson said this evening.
Earlier this month, off-duty lifeguards spotted and helped rescue a family at Piha, who were swimming after patrol hours.
The lifeguards met them on the beach and provided first aid until an ambulance arrived, according to Surf Life Saving.
The organisation has urged beachgoers to swim between the flags and be careful over January, which is typically the country’s most dangerous month in the water.