UPDATED 5.49PM Police have confirmed a 19-year-old man has died while swimming in Kawarau River this afternoon.

A second person who also got into difficulty while swimming made it to the shore safely.

Police said earlier reports that the man was found at Lake Dunstan were incorrect.

Emergency services were called to reports to of two individuals in trouble just after 1pm this afternoon.

Crawford Brown lives in the area and went to ask if he could help.

An emergency services' worker told him it was too late.

"He said 'unfortunately the time to help has passed'."

The area where the incident occurred had a pontoon off-shore and a popular swimming spot, Brown said.

"It's an incredibly safe place and it's well-used by families."

It was sunny today, with a temperature of about 25C, he said.

NZ Herald