At approximately 3:15pm on Monday, authorities received reports of a man in distress in the waters near Tutaritari Road.
Emergency response teams, including a helicopter, an ambulance, and a first response unit, rushed to the scene.
The man was located in the water and brought ashore in critical condition.
Despite the valiant efforts of emergency personnel, the man passed away at the scene.
An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand confirmed that their teams made efforts to rescue the individual, with assistance from the Hot Water Beach Search and Rescue squad and lifeguards from the paid lifeguard service.
A spokesperson for Surf Lifesaving revealed that the man was discovered unconscious and face down in the water.
Although he was swiftly brought to shore, attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, according to the spokesperson.
Tragically, the drowning occurred at an unpatrolled beach, with the nearest surf lifeguards stationed 8km away.
