UPDATED 2.45PM: The swimmer who died at Mount Maunganui today was an Auckland man in his 60s, says a TECT Rescue Helicopter spokesperson.

The rescue helicopter was dispatched to help search for the man after he went missing near Moturiki (Leisure) Island while competing in the Sand to Surf Ocean swim race.

'He was found by surf life saving personnel, the rescue helicopter guided a rescue boat to the scene. He was brought ashore and CPR was carried out by St John Ambulance and lifeguards.

'Sadly he died at the scene.”

Police are currently supporting the man's next of kin and his death will be referred to the coroner.

EARLIER:

UPDATED: 1.05PM: Police have confirmed a person has died following an incident at Mount Maunganui's Main beach today.

A police spokesperson says they were notified a swimmer had gone missing at 11.25am.

'By the time officers arrived at the scene the swimmer had been located and was on the shore unconscious being treated by paramedics, but has subsequently died.”

Police are now supporting the person's next of kin and are unable to provide any further details.

New Zealand Ocean Swim Series event organiser Scott Rice earlier confirmed the person was competing in the annual Sand to Surf ocean race.

The swimmer was rescued from the water by lifeguards and brought onto shore where they were treated on the main beach.

The swimmer's death will now be referred to the coroner with the cause of death to be investigated.

Following the incident organisers of the Sand to Surf event announced the 1000m, 500m and 200m swim events which were due to take place this afternoon have been cancelled.

EARLIER:

UPDATED 12.40PM: A Sand to Surf competitor has been rushed to hospital after being rescued from the water at Mount Maunganui this afternoon.

New Zealand Ocean Swim Series event organiser Scott Rice says a competitor was rescued from the water by lifeguards and brought onto shore where they were treated on the main beach.

That person has since been transported to Tauranga Hospital via St John's ambulance.

In the past five minutes the Sand to Surf organisers have announced the 1000m, 500m and 200m swim events which were due to take place this afternoon have been cancelled.

SunLive will update this story once more information is available.

EARLIER:

A report has come in of an incident currently taking place at Mount Maunganui's Main Beach this afternoon.

A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says the TECT Rescue Helicopter has landed at Moturiki Island, while another says a man has been stretchered off of the beach by St John staff and taken away from the scene in an ambulance.

The annual Sand to Surf is currently taking place at the Mount Main beach, but at this stage it is unknown if the incident is related to the event or not.

SunLive will update this story once more information is available.

Are you at the scene and know more?

Call 0800 SUNLIVE (786-5483) or email [email protected]