Waikato River rescue: Seven people pulled from water near Taupō

Using a jetboat and a jetski, Police, Coastguard and the Harbourmaster were able to rescue the seven people. Photo / NZ Police

Seven people have been pulled from the Waikato River after four men lost buoyancy and began calling for help, prompting three bystanders to jump in help before police arrived.

The four men had decided to float from the control gates down to Hipapatua Reserve, otherwise known as Reids Farm, near Taupō, but police were called at 7.20pm last night.

The men only had basic inflatables and no life jackets, police said this morning.

Towards the end of the route, the group lost buoyancy, began to panic, and were heard calling for help.

Police said three people from a tour group jumped into the river to help the men, “despite not having any flotation devices themselves”.

Police were able to talk with the seven people in distress and contacted the Coastguard and harbourmaster.

Using a jetboat and a jetski, Police, Coastguard and the harbourmaster rescued the seven people, who were hanging onto a tree.

Taupō Senior Constable Barry Shepherd said the group could have had a far more serious outcome.

Senior Constable Barry Shepherd. Photo / supplied

“We want people to have fun and enjoy the outdoors but there’s a safe way to do it.

“While it’s admirable that people tried to help, we don’t want any dead heroes.”

The agencies had brought all seven people to safety by 8pm.

“I commend the Coastguard, harbourmaster and my police colleagues, whose quick thinking and coordinated response ensured these seven people were safely rescued,” Shepherd said.

“This situation could have been drastically worse, and their actions prevented a potential tragedy.”

Police remind the public tocall 111 immediately for any water-related emergency.