Eighteen people have been rescued from the water in the upper North Island yesterday, as people flocked to beaches to cool down.
Photo: Cody Keepa for Surf Life Saving NZ
Surf Life Saving Northern Region said at Sunset Beach in Port Waikato, a swimmer was pulled from the water at Sunset Beach in Port Waikato, after swallowing a lot of sea water.
They were taken to hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
At the same beach, lifeguards rescued two girls, aged 10 and 12, from a strong current on the north side of the flags.
At Muriwai in the Auckland region, a 51-year-old boogie-boarder was dragged offshore by a rip and the wind and had to be helped to safety.
A 29-year-old male got stuck in a hole at Muriwai while surfing and had to be helped to the shore.
Another four people were rescued at Karekare on Auckland's west coast after also becoming caught in a rip.