Fatal water incident at Whites Beach in Anawhata, West Auckland as search continues for missing fisherman at Bethells Beach

A woman has died after falling into the water off a West Auckland beach.

The emergency call squads from three West Coast Surf Life Saving clubs, Piha United North Piha and Bethells Beach, were called Whites Beach in Anawhata after the woman got into trouble.

The Piha and Bethells IRBs, each with two lifeguards, headed into the water after the alarm was raised at around 3:15 p.m., a Surf Life Saving Northern Region spokesperson said.

Surf Lifesavers aboard the Piha IRB lifted the woman out of the water and began CPR once back on the beach until the Westpac rescue helicopter arrived.

“Unfortunately, attempts to revive the person were unsuccessful and he died at the scene,” police said in a statement.

His death will be referred to the coroner.

Surf Life Saving Northern Region spokesperson urged bathers along Auckland’s west coast to be very careful when in the area, as the beaches are very dangerous when the surf is high.

It is the second water tragedy in two days after the disappearance of a rock fisherman on nearby Bethells Beach.

Search efforts continued today for the second day after the man fell into the water just after 1 p.m. yesterday.

Bethells Beach Surf Life Saving patrols have been searching around O’Neill’s Bay along with police search and rescue teams and the Eagle helicopter.

The man was still missing and Bethells Beach club captain Leonard Mead said everyone was now “expecting a miracle.”

“But if that’s not the case, then everyone’s thoughts at Surf Life Saving are with the man’s family and friends.”

He said the incident was a vital reminder for rock fishers to also wear life jackets and never turn their backs on the sea.

“Life jackets save lives, it’s as simple as that. You never know when a strange wave will come and potentially wash you out to sea.”

Surf Life Saving Northern Region CEO Matt Williams said there have been 30 calls to help people in the water that lifeguards have been asked to attend since May 1 this year.

“By comparison, there were 31 calls in the Northern Region for the entirety of last year, including the summer, and we have not yet reached the summer months.

“At least 15 people have had their lives saved or received first aid from lifeguards in that time. We again urge bathers to comply with our 10 key safety messages.”