Fisherman drowns at Bethell's Beach

Photo / Bethells Beach Surf Life Saving Patrol

Surf lifeguards have warned fishers to be particularly careful when fishing off rocks after a man drowned at Bethell's Beach on Auckland's west coast today.

The man was believed to have been swept off the rocks about 11am.

Police said he was pulled from the water but was already dead.

Surf lifeguards said the man, believed to be in his 50s, was not wearing a lifejacket.

The man's name would be released when his relatives had been told, police said.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand chief executive Grant Florence, said people needed to take basic safety precautions.

Fishers were wearing inappropriate clothing and were unaware of hazardous surf conditions and rips.

People should also check the weather and tide before going out.

"Many of the rescues our lifeguards perform could be prevented if people were adequately prepared for the conditions."

He said the Easter weekend marked the official end of the surf life saving season.

This summer lifeguards rescued more than 1430 people at 80 beaches.

The drowning followed the discovery of a body at Muriwai Beach, also on Auckland's west coast, earlier today.

- NZPA