Three people were rescued after getting into difficulty near rocks at the northern end of Tairua Beach yesterday.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand said one of the rescued people was flown to hospital in a serious condition.

The other two were taken to hospital via road ambulance.

In a statement this morning, SLNZ said surf lifeguards from Tairua and Pauanui Beaches responded to an incident at 5.48pm.

“SurfCom was alerted simultaneously by police and ambulance to reports of three people screaming for help near the rocks,” a spokesperson said.

“Paid lifeguards from Tairua Beach immediately responded with rescue tubes and fins and were supported by a rescue water craft [RWC] from Pauanui Beach.”

Lifeguards rescued two patients from the water and returned them to shore.

The third person was able to self-rescue, SLNZ said.

“Lifeguards provided first aid to all three patients on scene, with assistance from an Ambulance First Response unit.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand, police and ambulance also attended the scene.

SLNZ said one patient was transported to hospital by helicopter in serious condition, while the other two were taken by road ambulance in moderate condition.

“The incident occurred outside the flagged area at a patrolled beach, more than 800 metres from the patrol area.”