Despite best efforts by emergency services, the man died at the scene. Surf Life Saving New Zealand confirmed its teams attempted to save the man and the Hot Water Beach Search and Rescue squad and lifeguards from the paid lifeguard service responded. A spokesperson for Surf Lifesaving said the man was found face down in the water unresponsive. The man was taken to shore but could not be resuscitated, the spokesperson said. The drowning had happened at an unpatrolled beach, the spokesperson said, with the nearest surf lifeguards 8km away.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 19, 2026 08:38 UTC