Two windsurfers had a lucky escape after they were swept 2km out to sea, Taranaki police say.
The windsurfers were rescued off the coast of Taranaki yesterday. Photo: 123RF
The male windsurfers - who were well equiped but from out of town - were surfing near the Waitara River mouth yesterday when one of them got into trouble about 3pm.
The other windsurfer then also got into trouble.
Police were alerted and the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter, Taranaki Surf Lifesaving and the Coastguard called in.
A surf lifesaving boat - guided by the helicopter - brought the pair back to shore about 4.15pm
Police said it was unlikely they would have made it back to shore without help.