Northland's Ruakākā Beach (file image). Photo: WikiCommons
The person who drowned at a Northland beach on Thursday morning was outside of the flagged patrol area, Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) says.
At 11.35am, lifeguards responded to someone in need of rescue on Ruakākā Beach, south of Whangārei.
A rescue boat was sent to retrieve the person, who was unconscious when they were pulled out of the water.
The lifeguards immediately attempted to resuscitate the person once the were taken to shore just after midday.
"Surf lifeguards commenced CPR and then responded with a defibrillator. Police, ambulance and FENZ also responded to the incident, however, the patient was unable to be resuscitated," SLSNZ said.
It said its condolences went to the person's family and friends.
It said the lifeguards involved in the incident had returned to the club and would be provided with support services.