Location:

Central

A teenager, who was stuck in a rip, was safely brought back to shore after a Police Officer and a member of Surf Lifesaving entered the water after them.

Around 7pm Thursday 1 January, Police received a call reporting that a teenager was caught in a rip at Paritutu Beach (also known as Back Beach) and was unable to get themselves back to shore.

Police responded immediately, and a water rescue operation was launched including tasking a rescue helicopter.

During this time, the teen was floating further and further away from shore.