The rescue operation was one of two incidents that sparked a response from the Otago surf lifesaving search and rescue team.
A police spokesman said they responded to reports of a person in the water at Brighton in need of assistance, at 3.38pm yesterday.
Three surf lifesavers aboard a small dinghy set out to a rock outcrop and brought the swimmer back to shore, about 4.15pm.
A witness said the swimmer had headed too far out to sea and got caught in a rip.
The swimmer disappeared underwater for a split second before he emerged and clung to a rock for safety, about 50m out from shore.
Otago-Southland surf lifesaving club development officer Brent Matehaere said the swimmer was part of a group of friends who were swimming at the beach.
"He ran out of the IRB [inflatable rescue boat] after being brought back to shore and hugged his friends, whooping and hollering.
"It would appear he was very good."
The friends had attempted to call the surf club, but no-one was there except the patrols, Mr Matehaere said.
He said 111 needed to be dialled in any emergency situations.
Earlier yesterday, the team were tasked by police to rescue a man in his 20s from St Clair Beach, about 2am, Mr Matehaere said.
Two surf lifesavers performed a tube rescue about 150m from shore within 15 minutes. — Additional reporting Mark John
