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Two teenagers floating in the sea off Tauranga in an inflatable swimming pool with alcohol in it were rescued by the coastguard on Sunday.
The pair had no lifejackets and were drifting from Tauranga Harbour out to sea on the outgoing tide when rescued in the early afternoon.
Tauranga Coastguard operations and safety manager Chris Isherwood said a resident reported seeing the makeshift boat floating away.
"They were assisted to safety and the obvious potential for tragedy discussed with them."