Bethells Beach (file image).
Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro

A teenager was nearly swept out to sea on a notoriously dangerous Auckland beach last night, rescuers say.

The police Eagle helicopter and Surf Life Saving New Zealand responded to a near-drowning at Bethells Beach about 8.20pm on Friday after four teenagers were trapped in a crash.

Three managed to swim to shore and call for help.

At that time the beach was not patrolled.

Surf Life Saving club president Dan Harvey said the 17-year-old’s rescue was “textbook” but could easily have turned into a tragedy.

He said a flotation device dropped by the helicopter was key.

She was suffering from hypothermia when surf lifesavers reached her in a rescue boat, he said.

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