Man who walked fully clothed into the sea found dead

The Westpac rescue helicopter was used in the search for Wayne August. Photo / File

A man who walked into the sea at a Christchurch beach yesterday morning has been found dead.

Wayne August, 42, was seen by beachgoers walking into the surf at New Brighton beach wearing long pants and a T-shirt at around 10.30am yesterday. Witnesses said he appeared to be drunk.

His body was found on the same beach at around 9pm last night.

The death has been referred to the coroner and his family has been advised.

The family, which has asked for privacy, thanked all the services and members of the public for their help during the search of the area.

The Westpac rescue helicopter and six IRB surfboats were used in the search for Mr August.

Police search co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Paul Manhire yesterday said Mr August had left two cell phones, a lighter and an empty bottle of wine on the beach.

South Island Surf Life Saving regional manager Scotty Roberts said members of the public tried to rescue the man after they saw him in trouble.

"They weren't able to get close enough, and he went under the waves and never came back up."

Five surf clubs, the coastguard and Westpac rescue helicopter conducted a thorough search until just after 1pm, but the search was considered a body recovery after a couple of hours.