Woman rescued after falling into Waikato River

The Waikato River. File photo / Christine Cornege

A woman has been rescued from the Waikato River after she fell in trying to get her dog out.

The 52-year-old Hamilton woman had clambered onto a rocky outcrop on the river's edge where a police rescue boat came to her aid about 1.10pm.

She had been walking her dog near a Malcolm St river path in Hillcrest when the dog fell in the water, Senior Sergeant Pete van de Wetering of the Waikato District Command Centre said.

"She went to help get her dog out of the water and then she herself fell in."

The woman screamed for help and the alarm was raised about 12.40pm.

Mr van de Wetering said the Waikato River was dangerous because of its strong currents, depth and debris which can snag swimmers.

Officers kept watch over the woman from the banks of the river as a safety precaution while they waited for the boat.

The woman was trapped on the rocks which were below a steep cliff.

She was taken to the Grantham St boat ramp in the central city where a waiting ambulance assessed her for any injuries and shock.

Mr van de Wetering said he believed the dog survived.