One person made it to shore, a Coastguard spokesperson said. A second person was found on the beach and the third was brought in by Coastguard volunteers.
Hato Hone St John said a survivor was taken to Palmerston North Hospital in a moderate condition.
Six Manawatū-Tararua search and rescue squad lifeguards responded with two inflatable rescue boats.
Police also responded to the “water incident” about 8.35am.
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