Police were notified about 8.20am.<\/p>\n
Watson said revival attempts were unsuccessful.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur thoughts are with the participant\u2019s immediate and extended family at this incredibly difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said the event team would like to thank SLSNZ, the medical team, and those directly involved \u201cfor their swift response, professionalism, and care under extremely challenging circumstances\u201d.<\/p>\n
A SLSNZ statement confirmed lifeguards in an inflatable rescue boat (IRB) collected the man. <\/p>\n
\u201cA person understood to be competing in the event signalled they needed assistance.<\/p>\n
\u201cSurf lifeguards responded via inflatable rescue boat (IRB), picking up the patient and returning them to shore.\u201d<\/p>\n
SLSNZ said lifeguards commenced CPR in the boat, and the patient was handed over to event medical providers.<\/p>\n
Pilot Bay in Mount Maunganui. Photo \/ Rosalie Liddle Crawford<\/p>\n
\u201cSLSNZ offers its sincere condolences to the friends and wh\u0101nau of the person.\u201d<\/p>\n
A r\u0101hui (temporary prohibition) in place over the affected area<\/a> was lifted yesterday.<\/p>\n It had extended from Prince Ave to Salisbury Ave and out to the harbour.<\/p>\n Kaum\u0101tua Anthony Fisher earlier told NZME acknowledging and marking respect to the deceased man was \u201cfirst and foremost\u201d in their minds.<\/p>\n Trust chairperson Riri Ellis earlier said the trust extended their \u201cdeepest sympathies and aroha\u201d to the wh\u0101nau.<\/p>\n She told NZME the r\u0101hui was to give a sense of reassurance and avoid any unknowns.<\/p>\n \u201cWe urge everyone to take extra care around the water for the remainder of the holiday period, as conditions can be unpredictable.\u201d<\/p>\n It was the second r\u0101hui in two months in Mount Maunganui.<\/p>\n A week-long r\u0101hui<\/a> was in place from November 28, 2025, after an unconscious man was pulled from the water, between Mount Maunganui and Omanu.<\/p>\n Despite resuscitation efforts, the man died at the scene<\/a>, police said.<\/p>\n His death was also referred to the coroner.<\/p>\n