Multiple rescues at North Island beaches

Lifeguards have been kept busy on Saturday, including rescues at Whangamata and Auckland's Long Bay. Photo: BOP Times

A man came close to drowning before being rescued by members of the public in what has been a dramatic day at the country's beaches.

That incident occurred at Whangamata when a man in his 20s got into trouble in the water about 2.15pm.

A St John Ambulance spokeswoman said he was rescued by members of the public.

He was initially deemed to be in a critical condition but he stabilised after being pulled to shore.

He was flown to Tauranga hospital in a moderate condition.

A toddler was also fortunate to be rescued after being "submerged for quite some time" at Long Bay, north of Auckland, this morning, said Surf Life Saving Northern Region spokesman Chase Cahalane.

The incident occurred a couple of hundreds of metres from the flagged area about 11.25am.

"It was actually the first day lifeguards were patrolling that beach," Cahalane said.

The child was rescued by members of the public and then attended to by lifeguards on shore. They were not seriously injured but were transported to hospital for observation.

Another incident occurred at the beach at Pukehina, when a 14-year-old girl was rescued from the water. She was not seriously hurt.

Meanwhile, a rescue helicopter was dispatched to Pakiri Beach north of Auckland late Saturday afternoon where a man in his 30s suffered possible spinal injuries after falling off a horse.

The man has been treated by surf lifeguards.