A man has died during a recreational swimming race on Lake Taupo.
A water safety team saw the swimmer was in difficulty during the 2.5km Epic Swim recreation race today.
They responded immediately, but attempts to resuscitate the swimmer failed, Swimming New Zealand chief executive Mike Byrne said.
The man was believed to be aged in his 50s or 60s, he told NZ Newswire.
Conditions on the lake were described as moderately choppy.
There was a strong safety protocol in place and the water safety team responded appropriately, Mr Byrne said.
The 2.5km swim, for people aged 12 and older, was scheduled to begin at 1.30pm.
Epic Swim is a range of championship and recreational swims that attracts about 500 swimmers. It is due to finish tomorrow.
NZN