A woman was taken to hospital after a ‘water incident’ at Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre in central Christchurch.

A police spokesman told ChrisLynchMedia.com police were called to the St Asaph Street facility at 9.30AM to assist St John staff.

One of the Special Olympics swimmers became distressed after swallowing water.

A St John spokeswoman said crews responded to the incident with a first response unit, a rapid response unit, a manager, and one ambulance.

“Our crews assessed and treated one patient, who was transported to Christchurch Hospital in a moderate condition.”