Good Samaritans 'legends' for saving swimmer's life in Port Waikato

Woman taken to hospital in Port Waikato after she was saved from drowning by members of the public. Photo / NZHerald

Quick-thinking members of the public have risked their own lives to stop a person drowning this afternoon.

At 1.37pm police received a call to say two swimmers were in trouble in the water at Sunset Beach in Port Waikato.

According to police, a 20-year-old man had entered the water and got into trouble, and a 20-year-old woman went in to help him. However, the man was able to make his way back to shore but the woman was swept further out to sea.

A 43-year-old man who was also at the beach saw the woman was floundering and swam out to save her. She was reportedly in "a lot of trouble" and unable to keep herself afloat.

The man supported her and kept her head above water while waiting for help. Two male surfers, aged 18 and 19, then came to their aid and brought the pair back to shore on their boards.

"These good Samaritans have initiated, co-ordinated and performed the rescue and there is no doubt they have saved the woman's life. They are legends," Sergeant Jonathan Cheeseman said.

The woman was originally in a critical condition but has since been downgraded to serious. She was taken to hospital by ambulance.