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Update: 12.17PM Two people who are believed to have been swept into the current underneath Maungatapu Bridge are now ashore.

A dog is safely back to shore. Photos: Cameron Avery.

Northern Fire Communications shift manager Jarron Phillips confirmed two people were in the water.

He says Tauranga and Greerton fire brigades attended.

"A firefighter ended up going out on a surfboard and another firefighter went out on a kayak."

Tauranga Coastguard operations manager Simon Barker says they were called but were stood down.

Earlier report:

A reporter at the scene says two people and a dog have made it to shallow water. "The dog was swimming in the water for a while." A kayaker is with them.

A caller to 0800SUNLIVE says St John Ambulance and police are at the scene. A rescue helicopter is also on scene.