Three men have had a lucky escape after their van broke down on a Waikato beach and was about to be washed away with the tide.
Karioitahi Surf Life Saving Club received a call from the men at 10.30pm on Friday.
Coastguard duty officer Nico Doodeman said the Toyota Hilux wouldn't move on Karioitahi Beach because of a flat battery.
He said the tide was coming in and the van was beginning to get submerged so lifeguards went down on a rescue vehicle.
Doodeman said by the time they got there, a member of the public had lent the men a battery so they could get the van started and get it above the high water mark.
