St. John ambulances, Fire and Emergency services and the Westpac Chopper raced to the scene of a man struggling in the water at Waihī Beach this afternoon.

Surf Life Saving NZ's Eastern Region lifesaving manager, Chaz Gibbons-Campbell, says the crew responded to a person in medical strife between the flags.

"They've helped him out off the beach and given them some first aid, and then the ambulance has arrived and taken over."

"He is on his way to hospital now by helicopter."

Chaz says the man didn't swallow any water.

"He was feeling quite unwell.

"Hopefully he'll be able to get the right help that he needs at the hospital and find out what exactly was wrong with him."

"He did say he hadn't eaten all day."

"Hopefully he makes a quick recovery."

Chaz says all of the agencies responded well.

"St. John, Fire and Emergency, and the Westpac Helicopter were all amazing."