One dead, seven injured in water tragedy in Christchurch

A person has died and seven others are injured following a water tragedy at a Christchurch beach this afternoon.

Police said the incident happened at Spencer Park. It was reported to emergency services about 12.45pm.

“Inquiries into the circumstances of the death are ongoing.”

St John ambulance said it was notified of a water-related incident near Spencer Park at 12.42. Four ambulances and five clinical managers responded.

“We assessed and treated seven patients with minor injuries at the scene.”

It is unclear how the person died and police are yet to provide further updates.

Paul Dalton, Surf Live Saving NZ CEO confirmed the death was not connected to the inflatable rescue boat (IRB) competition scheduled to be held at the beach this morning.

He did say however that the lifeguards at the Spencer Beach Surf Life Saving Club assisted in the rescue efforts of the people involved in the incident.

A spokesman for the Surf Life Saving Club referred media queries to police.

More to come.