KEY POINTS:
An Auckland man owes his life to the sharp-eyed crew of a police helicopter who spotted him struggling in a treacherous tidal rip off an isolated West Auckland beach.
The Eagle helicopter, an off-duty policeman among the crew, was flying over Kare Kare Beach on a routine sweep, when the 55-year-old man was seen 200 metres out from shore.
He was in the water with another man, who was recognised from the low-flying aircraft as a policeman.
Waitemata police spokesman Kevin Loughlin said today it was obvious the policeman's companion was in trouble in 2.5 metres-swells and the policeman waved for help.
The helicopter dropped a foam buoyancy tube and the policemen got it around his friend and towed him ashore.
"Both men were pleased to see the Eagle and its crew," Mr Loughlin said.
"The helicopter arrived just in time."
The rescued man didn't need medical attention, he said.
Names of those involved have not been released.
- NZPA
