Drownings at Goat Island, Port Waikato

A man drowned at Goat Island Marine Reserve, north of Auckland, this afternoon. Photo / Herald on Sunday

One person is dead and two are missing after they were swept out to sea while net fishing at Port Waikato, south of Auckland, this afternoon.

A man also drowned at Goat Island, north of Auckland, today.

A search and rescue operation is underway to find the two people still missing from Port Waikato, who disappeared around 4pm.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter crewman Leon Ford said one man had already been found when the helicopter reached the scene.

Surf lifeguards' desperate attempts at CPR failed to revive him.

A police Eagle helicopter and four inflatable rescue boats were still searching for the other two.

Meanwhile, a 25-year-old Chinese man drowned while snorkelling at popular marine reserve Goat Island, north of Auckland, at 3.45pm.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter advanced paramedic Chris Deacon said the man's body was spotted underwater by crew on board a glass bottomed boat.

One of them dived into the water and got him out and first aid was administered.

An ambulance arrived from Warkworth and continued CPR, as did helicopter paramedics, but the man did not respond.

"They gave it their best shot and everything was tried but unfortunately when you're getting CPR your life is hanging in the balance and unfortunately the scales tipped the wrong way. It's very sad, he's a young man."

Mr Ford said the number of drownings in New Zealand this year was of great concern.

"Already, more people have drowned this year so far than did all of last year. It's worrying."