The 52-year-old woman got into trouble in the lagoon near the Arorangi jetty. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Police in the Cook Islands say a woman on holiday from New Zealand drowned on Tuesday afternoon.
She was helping her 11-year-old daughter, who was struggling in a lagoon current.
The 52-year-old woman got into trouble in the lagoon near the Arorangi jetty on Rarotonga's west coast.
Police said the sea was rough and the currents, strong.
Locals, as well as fire and police volunteers, went to help and search for the woman.
Police extended their help and sympathy to the woman's family and friends.