Emergency services were called out to Smaills Beach, in Dunedin, after two divers got in trouble in the water this morning.
Police said the two men had been paua diving in the area when the tide changed.
A 34-year-old diver was able to make his way to shore, but the other man was swept out with the tide, Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said.
"The 60 year old diver did the right thing and dropped his weight belt, lay on his back and tread water to conserve energy until emergency services arrived," he said.
The man made it back to shore without help and neither diver needed medical attention.
Ambulance, surf life savers and a helicopter also responded to the incident.
By 10am, both divers were out of the water and were being assessed by the helicopter crew,
