Karioitahi Beach incident: One person in serious condition taken to Auckland’s Middlemore Hospital

Five people were rescued by lifeguards and one person taken to hospital after they were caught in a rip at a popular Auckland west coast beach.

Hato Hone St John said they responded to an incident at Karioitahi Beach, in the southwest of the Auckland region, just after 5pm.

Two ambulances, a rapid response unit and an operations manager were sent, along with a helicopter.

One person was taken to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition.

Five people were rescued at Karioitahi Beach. Photo / Surf Life Saving Karioitahi

Surf Life Saving Karioitahi said lifeguards were involved in an “after-hours mass rescue” after five people were caught in a rip and swept off their feet.

“All five patients were successfully rescued and brought safely back to shore,” a social media post by the club said.

“First aid was administered on scene, and one patient was later transported to hospital via ambulance for further care.”

Two ambulances, a rapid response unit and one operations manager were sent, along with a helicopter. Photo / Surf Life Saving Karioitahi

The club said it was a strong reminder of how quickly conditions can change, and how dangerous rip currents can be, even for confident swimmers.

It added people should swim between the flags, never swim alone, assess conditions before entering the water and “if in doubt, don’t go out”.