Swimmer rescued after entering water to save dog

A good Samaritan was rescued today after launching himself into a strong current to save a dog from drowning.

A man entered the water near Maungatapu Bridge, Tauranga just before noon to rescue a dog swept out in a powerful rip, Inspector Kerry Watson said in a statement.

But a second member of the public who saw the incident unfolding then entered the water and also swam out to the dog.

By now, the dog's owner had returned to the shore and the second man kept swimming towards the animal. But the current sucked the man further into the channel.

A local police officer, who happened to be a triathlete and strong swimmer, then arrived and entered the water to try and rescue the man.

"He has reassured him that help was on the way and kept him calm," Inspector Watson said.

Firefighters then arrived, using a kayak and paddleboard borrowed from nearby residents.

The firefighter on the paddleboard reached the police officer and the imperiled man just as a local Westpac rescue helicopter arrived.

Inspector Watson said the two rescued men were exhausted after 40 minutes in the water, but unharmed.

The dog made its own way back to land was not hurt.

The current was extremely strong, said Senior Sergeant Shannon Clifford, who praised the police officer for keeping the man calm when he was in difficulty.

"We do not advise public to enter the water especially given the treacherous tidal conditions that we saw today."

Police offered the following advice for people caught in a rip:

- Do not panic.

- Do not try to swim against the rip back to shore.

- Let the rip carry you out until the current subsides.

- Then swim parallel to the beach for 30-40 metres before swimming back to shore.

- If you become tired or frightened, stay calm, raise your arm, call for help and wait for assistance.

More information on water safety was available at: www.watersafety.org.nz/resources-and-safety-tips