Struggling kayaker rescued after tipping out in Maketu estuary

Maketu Coastguard were involved in the rescue of a kayaker this morning. File photo

A kayaker was rescued after tipping out in the Maketu estuary this morning.

Maketu Coastguard president Shane Beech said they had a call around 10am from a resident who spotted the kayaker in the water struggling to get back into his semi-submerged kayak.

Beech said the man was about 500 metres from shore in 4-5m of water.

"Members of Maketu Surf Lifesaving Club and Maketu Coastguard went out there and got him."

He was brought back to land in the surf lifesaving club's IRB. The man's kayak was also towed in.

Beech said the man, in his 30s or 40s, would have been in the water about 35 to 40 minutes but appeared to be okay and not in need of medical treatment.

A police spokeswoman said they were also contacted about the kayaker in distress.