Pilot Bay death confirmed as swimmer in Mount Festival of Multisport half

Mount Maunganui's Pilot Bay beach, as viewed from the Mauao Base Track. Photo / Laura Smith

A man who died after being pulled from the water at Pilot Bay Beach was a participant in the Mount Festival of Multisport.

Mount Festival of Multisport event director Lauren Watson said a participant in the swim course had “tragically” passed away.

“During the swim leg, our on-beach Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) team identified a competitor near the finish buoy who had suddenly stopped swimming.”

Watson said the on-water SLSNZ team “responded immediately” and started treatment while taking the man ashore.

“Our medical response team continued treatment offshore, with St John and police arriving shortly after as resuscitation efforts continued.”

Police were notified about 8.20am.

Watson said revival attempts were unsuccessful.

“Our thoughts are with the participant’s immediate and extended family at this incredibly difficult time.”

She said the event team would like to thank SLSNZ, the medical team, and those directly involved “for their swift response, professionalism, and care under extremely challenging circumstances”.

A SLSNZ statement confirmed lifeguards in an inflatable rescue boat (IRB) collected the man.

“A person understood to be competing in the event signalled they needed assistance.

“Surf lifeguards responded via inflatable rescue boat (IRB), picking up the patient and returning them to shore.”

SLSNZ said lifeguards commenced CPR in the boat, and the patient was handed over to event medical providers.

Pilot Bay in Mount Maunganui. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

“SLSNZ offers its sincere condolences to the friends and whānau of the person.”

A rāhui (temporary prohibition) in place over the affected area was lifted yesterday.

It had extended from Prince Ave to Salisbury Ave and out to the harbour.

Kaumātua Anthony Fisher earlier told NZME acknowledging and marking respect to the deceased man was “first and foremost” in their minds.

Trust chairperson Riri Ellis earlier said the trust extended their “deepest sympathies and aroha” to the whānau.

She told NZME the rāhui was to give a sense of reassurance and avoid any unknowns.

“We urge everyone to take extra care around the water for the remainder of the holiday period, as conditions can be unpredictable.”

It was the second rāhui in two months in Mount Maunganui.

A week-long rāhui was in place from November 28, 2025, after an unconscious man was pulled from the water, between Mount Maunganui and Omanu.

Despite resuscitation efforts, the man died at the scene, police said.

His death was also referred to the coroner.

Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.