Body of 23-year-old swimmer found after Lake Wainamu search

Search efforts for a swimmer who went missing at Lake Wainamu near Bethells Beach began on Monday evening. Photo / Colleen Maria Lenihan

The body of a missing swimmer at Lake Wainamu has been found by police.

The Police National Dive Squad had been searching the lake near Bethells Beach after an initial response began on Monday evening.

Police were contacted at 6.10pm yesterday after a 23-year-old man got into difficulty and did not resurface.

Waitematā West Area response manager Senior Sergeant Jon Winthrop said the man had “been in waist-deep water with three friends at the time”.

“He has taken a few more steps before falling into a hole and has not resurfaced.”

Police used the Eagle helicopter to search for the swimmer last night.

The search was assisted by five lifeguards from the Bethells Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

“I know the swimmer’s friends are quite shaken up by the events that unfolded very quickly last night, and we are ensuring there is support in place for them,” Winthrop said.

Police acknowledged the SAR team at the Bethells Beach Surf Lifesaving Club for their support and said the death will be referred to the coroner.