Two Auckland teenagers are "incredibly lucky" after becoming stranded on rocks far from shore.
Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen, of the Auckland Maritime Unit, said the pair got into difficulty at Narrow Neck Beach on the North Shore on Tuesday night.
The beach has large sand flats on the outgoing tide and the pair were stuck on rocks as the tide quickly came in.
Larsen said one of the teens called police at 6.20pm when they realised they were unable to get back to land when it was getting dark.
"With the light of the day also slipping away, the Police Maritime Unit immediately responded in a police vessel to assist," he said.
"Police stayed on the phone with the informant while water rapidly rose around the two."
The Eagle helicopter was also deployed and observed the teenagers unable to get back to land with the incoming tide.
Air Support Unit supervisor Sergeant Colin Ware said the Eagle provided oversight and a light source to assist with the rescue.
Photo: Supplied / Police
"Our team onboard of Eagle were monitoring the dangerous conditions on the water," he said.
"Thankfully, the pair were rescued and returned safety to the shore a short time later."
The pair did not need medical attention.
Police were advising the public to be aware of the conditions of both sea and daylight when swimming at the beach.
"We're thankful of this result, but must stress this was an incredibly lucky situation with a positive ending," Ware said.
"The combination of the location, changing tides, and lack of light can change everything in an instant.
"What may seem like a safe area can become a dangerous and risky location faster than you might realise."