Two teens were airlifted to Tauranga Hospital with hypothermia after falling out of their kayaks off the coast at Whangamata.
The Hamilton 15-year-olds fell out of their kayaks yesterday near Clark Island, Tauranga-based Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter pilot Liam Brettkelly said.
"Rough sea conditions meant the boys were unable to get back onto their kayaks.
"After about 20 minutes in the water they were spotted by a couple of fishermen who were motoring past. They picked up the young lads and brought them ashore."
Mr Brettkelly said both boys were flown to Tauranga Hospital suffering hypothermia.