Search for missing Piha swimmer continues

Aerial shot of Piha Beach
Piha Beach (file)

The search for a swimmer missing off the cost of Piha Beach has entered the recovery phase, according to surf life savers in the region.

The missing man, in his 20s, got into trouble near Lion Rock on the popular tourist beach on Saturday evening.

Water searches have been halted this afternoon due to poor weather conditions, but search teams are continuing to scour the beach by foot and sporadically by air.

Inspector Shawn Rutene told Newshub this morning that police would be continuing their land search after 6am this morning, as it became too dark last night.

He said surf lifesaving boats would be out on the water at 10am, and an aerial search would also take place.

"The search and rescue have a certain grid pattern that they will carry out… [and] the coastguard air patrol's fixed wing aircraft is going to be assisting the police."

Search teams are taking advantage of the low tide, which Mr Rutene says provides a wider area for them to search on foot.

He believes the incident reinforces the importance of water safety, and is a reminder to always swim between the flags and with a friend.

"If you are not a very efficient swimmer, stay close into the shore. You have to be sensible when you are actually picking your times to swim as well."

Another swimmer injured in the high surf last night was found and treated at the scene.

Newshub.