Police have released the name of the swimmer who drowned while trying to cross the mouth of the Mokihinui River, 46km north-east of Westport, on Tuesday afternoon.

He was Christopher Anton Perreau, 44, a Mokihinui resident previously from Woodend.

Mr Perreau was swept out to sea about 3.40pm.

His body was retrieved about 6.30pm in 2m of water about 15m from shore, following a search involving 20-30 people including Buller Surf Rescue, Granity firefighters, St John and locals.

- APNZ