Police have pulled three people to safety after their ute got stuck in water at Karioitahi Beach overnight.
It's prompting Counties Manukau South Police to remind the public about keeping safe on the popular beach.
Police Emergency Communications and Dispatch received an alert relayed from Apple's crash detection service just before 1am.
Inspector Matt Hoyes, Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, says a ute had become stuck.
"A group had been off-roading in their ute when it became submerged in the river," he says.
"The group reported the vehicle was stuck and couldn't be moved."
Police deployed ground units and the Eagle helicopter to the area.
Inspector Hoyes says Eagle located the vehicle's position and relayed it to other responding staff.
"Our staff have utilised a 4WD vehicle to reach the three people and drove them away from the scene."
None of the occupants required medical attention and Police transported the three people home.
"It's fortunate that this didn't have another outcome."
Inspector Hoyes reminds the public that Karioitahi Beach is designated as a road.
"There are specific requirements in place for people to drive on Karioitahi Beach, including a speed limit of 20km/h in places. Road rules still apply here," he says.
"We have some beautiful beaches in our community, and they should be treated with respect.
Police will soon be kicking off Operation Beaches, the annual operation to help keep our beaches safe.
"Police staff will be visible across these busy beaches to ensure everyone is sticking to the rules and targeting any unsafe driving behaviour," Inspector Hoyes says.
"Unsafe behaviour impacts everyone who is using the beach, so we ask the public to report any dangerous or illegal activity taking place."
