Person missing in water at Bethells Beach

A search is underway for a swimmer missing at Bethells Beach. Photo / Daniel Hines

A male is missing in the water at Bethells Beach on Auckland's West Coast.

At least four surf lifesaving boats and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter have been searching for the male, reported missing about 5 pm.

The age of the missing male is not known.

A police spokesman said staff had spoken to his friends at the beach.

Further north, a person had to be pulled from the surf at a beach in Whananaki after getting into trouble.

The person had swallowed a lot of water but was okay, the spokesman said.

Emergency services at Bethells Beach. Photo / Daniel Hines