Three kayakers have been rescued after they were blown more than 10km off the coast of Whangamatā this morning.
Police were alerted to a group of three kayakers unable to make it to shore who had been blown off course near Donut Island at around 8.40am.
“A fourth member of the group, on a paddleboard, was also unaccounted for,” a spokesperson said.
The paddleboarder made it to shore but differing currents separated the remaining three.
They were located over one nautical mile away from each other and over five nautical miles offshore, the spokesperson added.
“All four have since been recovered thanks to a multi-agency response and the assistance of a local resident who was alerted to the incident and assisted the search with a private helicopter.”
Police worked with volunteers from Coastguard Whangamatā, Coastguard Waihi Beach, Coastguard Tairua-Pauanui, Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol, and Surf Life Saving.
“Luckily, everyone was wearing life jackets and wetsuits as a precaution,” the spokesperson said.
“Police ask anyone planning to go out on the water, including when you are boating, kayaking or paddleboarding, to wear a life jacket.
“Police advise outdoor enthusiasts to always check weather and ocean forecasts before setting out on your journey; today, high winds were forecast, which likely contributed to the incident.”