Lifesavers using inflatable rescue boats searched an area near the St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool. Photo / Stephen Jaquiery
A search will continue until dark for a person missing after getting into trouble at a beach in the Dunedin suburb of St Clair.
Ambulance and police were called to the south end of St Clair Beach about 4.30pm on Thursday after reports of a male in trouble in the water, police said.
A police spokeswoman said surf lifesavers were helping with the search.
A helicopter scoured the area including nearby Second Beach earlier, but had since been stood down.
The search would continue until dark and be reassessed on Friday morning, she said.
Two ambulances, a fire appliance and three police cars were called to the scene earlier in the day.
The section of road leading to the Second Beach access walkway was closed and LandSAR personnel were there for a time.
The Esplanade at St Clair was busy at the time of the incident and surfers were in the water.
Water conditions at St Clair Beach were calm on Thursday, with a light breeze.
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The prisoner was there for 'medical oversight'.