Swimmer nearly drowns at notorious Auckland beach

Man snorkelling at Goat Island near Leigh helped to shore by members of the public after getting into difficulties, before being airlifted to North Shore Hospital. Photo / File

A man snorkelling at a notorious Auckland beach was airlifted to hospital after getting into difficulties.

A St John spokeswoman said staff were called to Goat Island just before 11am today.

A 45-year-old man was initially in a critical condition but once stabilised, after midday, he had been downgraded to being in a moderate condition.

The Westpac Auckland Rescue Helicopter airlifted the man to North Shore Hospital.

A helicopter trust spokesman the man was snorkelling when he got into difficulties.

"He had help from members of the public getting him to shore. He had taken on some water but CPR wasn't required."

Local firefighters prepared a landing site, on Goat Island Rd, for the chopper.

Police confirmed they were not called to the scene.

Drownings and swimmers getting into trouble are not uncommon at Goat Island.

A local man in his 60s died while swimming there in March.

Conditions at the beach had been rough for several days with some operators cancelling tours.

On the same day, a group of four people got in trouble in the water at Pakiri Beach Holiday Park.

One person died at the scene.