A Hato Hone St John spokesman said it sent a helicopter, rapid response unit, manager and ambulance.
St John was called at 12.20pm.
The death is the first water-related death this year.
As of yesterday,31/12 the provisional drowning toll for 2024 was 71, according to Water Safety NZ figures.
That’s 12 fewer than the 10-year average and 19 fewer than the previous year, although 2023’s toll included six drowning deaths that were due to Cyclone Gabrielle.
The 37-year-old died a hero after the youngsters became caught in a rip at Waimamaku Beach in the Far North District, friend Rena Hartley-Stretch said.