Swimmer in Tamaki Estuary rescued

A 17-year-old swimmer had to be rescued by helicopter this morning after getting into difficulties in Tamaki Estuary in Auckland.

Just before 10am today, members of the public reported that a man had got into difficulties while swimming in the estuary near Point England.

A police helicopter and a Maritime inflatable boat were sent immediately to his aid.

On arriving at the scene, the man was in "serious difficulties and immediate danger" and a member of the helicopter crew had to be dropped into the water with a life jacket, police said.

The man was taken ashore by the helicopter crewman where he was seen by a St John ambulance.

He did not need medical treatment.