Competitor dies in swim event

A swimmer has died during the opening race of the New Zealand ocean swim series in Auckland today.

The man was in his late 50s, said event director Scott Rice.

However, he would not comment further other than to say the man was well attended by paramedics.

"Our thoughts are with the family," he said.

There were 1320 registered swimmers for the 2.8km swim from Bayswater on the North Shore to the Viaduct in downtown Auckland.

- NZPA