Three teenagers managed to get back to shore after being swept 400-metres out to sea this afternoon, what police have called a lucky escape.
Waikanae Beach Photo: Dan Cederholm / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The three were in separate inflatable boats at Waikanae Beach, Kāpiti, north of Wellington, when they were blown out to sea by a strong southerly. None were wearing lifejackets.
Rescue services sent to help were stood down after the trio paddled back to shore.
Police said the incident could have ended very differently and people should practise basic water safety skills like wearing lifejackets.