A man is in a critical condition after a near drowning in Whangamata this afternoon.

St John Ambulance paramedics and the Auckland Westpac Helicopter are currently treating the man after responding to the incident at 1.22pm.

Whangamata Beach. Photo: File.

A St John Northern Communications spokeswoman says paramedics received the call from Whangamata Police and responded along with the Westpac Helicopter to a man in a life threatening condition.

She says the helicopter has not left the scene yet as paramedics are stabilising the man.

Police are also at the scene.