Five people swam to shore in frigid Hawke's Bay waters after a waka capsized in Westshore.
Hawke's Bay Coastguard was notified of the incident just before their team meeting at 5.30pm yesterday.
Coastguard skipper Joanne Wills said its vessel of five crew members located the waka crew on Westshore Beach, about 300-400 metres west of the Whakariri Avenue Reserve about five minutes after they were called.
The Coastguard also sent crew to Westshore beach to keep eyes on those in the water.