Photo: RNZ
Police are urging people to stay safe near water after having to rescue a man from "freezing" water on Saturday.
He was being taken out to sea at the Waitaki River mouth, Canterbury.
Police said they were informed at 12.20pm he had had no life jacket or floatation aid.
It took 45 minutes to get him back on dry land.
"While it is fortunate that emergency services were contacted and provided a swift and successful response in this instance, it's a reminder that water safety is key," police said in a statement on Sunday.
"Police urge anyone going near waters, no matter the skill level, to take the basic precautions to keep themselves safe in case something goes wrong."
They included wearing a life jacket when boating or fishing, having a waterproof bag for your phone, sticking to your limits, being aware of your surroundings, checking the weather, and telling someone where you are going.
"Our Southern rivers can be dangerous, and with the incoming winter weather, the water temperature is much lower, meaning it will be less likely you'll survive."