A constable in a kayak, a Westpac Helicopter and the Mana Coastguard were called out today to rescue a man from Porirua Harbour.

Police received reports at 4.30 this afternoon that a man had entered the inner harbour, on the Paremata side, and was swimming away from caregivers.

Over the next hour the 22-year-old man continued to swim and wade over sandbanks away from support.

Multiple emergency services were deployed to locate the man and bring him to safety.

Police staff were also positioned on the banks around the harbour.

The man was eventually plucked from the water by the Coastguard and taken back to their base.

He has been checked by Ambulance staff and will be referred to Hospital Services.