Police divers recover body after man fails to resurface after Waikato River swim

Police were called to Jones' Landing reserve near the Waikato River on Friday night after a swimmer failed to resurface. Photo / Eleanor Hughes

The body of a man who failed to resurface after a swim in the Waikato River, near Putāruru, has been found by police divers.

Divers using the police boat’s sonar equipment located the body around 30m from the shore.

A rāhui has been placed at Arapuni Landing, Bulmers Landing and Jones Landing after the incident, a Waipā District Council social media post said today.

The rāhui will remain in effect until 9am on January 18.

“We kindly ask everyone to respect the rāhui by refraining from swimming, fishing, or engaging in any water-based activities at these sites during this period,” the post said.

The man had been swimming in the river on Friday evening and failed to resurface.

Emergency services were called to Jones Landing on Lake Arapuni Rd about 6.45 pm on Friday, police said.

His body was found later that night using the boat’s sonar equipment.

Police had asked the community to avoid that part of the river.

A post on the South Waikato District Council Facebook page on Saturday afternoon asked people to stay out of the water while police completed their work in the area.

“We regret to inform the community that there has been a tragic incident at Jones Landing,” the post said.

“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones affected by this loss.”

The man’s death was being referred to the coroner.

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