A man who drowned at the Waimakariri River in Canterbury yesterday afternoon was attempting to save his dog.

Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel said emergency services were called to the scene about 4.30pm yesterday.

Christchurch Metro Area Commander, Superintendent Lane Todd described the incident as “very tragic”.

“The man who died following a water-related incident in the Waimakariri River, sadly drowned in an attempt to save his dog,” he said.

Todd said the dog had not been located.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.