Waikato River body that of missing man

Waikato River. Photo / Thinkstock

Police have confirmed the body found in the Waikato River this morning is the 23-year-old reported missing on Saturday.

Hepisipa Tupou tried to swim across the river near Jellicoe Drive in Hamilton on Saturday night.

Mr Tupou's family saw him slip below the surface while another man was attempting to rescue him.

Indications were that the young man was not a strong swimmer, police said.

Police and Fire Service were searching the river banks and using a boat to search the river.

Acting Senior Sergeant Martyn Hughes, said a police launch recovered the body after calls from the public shortly after 7am today.

Mr Hughes expressed sympathies to Mr Tupou's family on behalf of Police.

"His loss is a timely reminder to swimmers to ensure they do not venture into activities outside their capabilities while in streams, rivers, lakes or in the ocean," Mr Hughes said.