A dramatic rescue has occurred at Sumner beach in Christchurch, after several people were caught in a rip.
A St John Ambulance spokesperson has confirmed they were called to the accident at about 1:30pm, when three people were rescued from the water.
A rescue helicopter was brought in and two people were transported to Christchurch Hospital in a serious condition.
A third person was also transported to hospital in a serious condition, via ambulance.
Stuff reports the swimmers were colleagues going for a pre-work swim, before being caught in the rip on the Scarborough stretch of the beach.
Newshub.