A search from the air and sea continues at a popular Coromandel beach after reports of a distressed swimmer were received this morning.
Police, a rescue helicopter and the Coastguard have been searching the water near the Whangamata Surf Club.
Emergency services responded to the Beach Rd beach shortly after 10am, police said.
![A rescue search is underway at a beach in Whangamatā. Photo / Brian Pittams](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/KXQODDE623NU6EY3XCYOPZH3ZU.jpg?auth=5be543ba1b3ab259d2b52b0f65d466c71159b85fece4af152d8cd9a89d3f2763&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Nothing of interest has yet been located in the search efforts.