Man drowns at Hot Water Beach after getting into trouble swimming

A man died today at Hot Water Beach after getting into trouble while swimming. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

A man has drowned at Hot Water Beach this afternoon after getting into difficulty while swimming.

Aged in his 50s, the man was pulled from the water and rescuers tried desperately to perform CPR, but he died at the scene.

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The incident happened just before 4pm.

The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter responded after reports that a male patient was struggling in the water.

"The patient had been retrieved from the water and CPR was in progress," a spokesman said.

"Unfortunately the patient died at the scene and crew returned to base."

A police spokesperson said it appears the man had been swimming when he got into difficulty.

His death would be referred to the Coroner.