Drowned paddle boarder named

Amie Russell drowned when the paddle board she was on was forced under a yacht. Photo / Supplied

The teenage girl who drowned while paddle boarding in Whangamata has been named by police.

She was 15-year-old Amie Louise Russell of Morrinsville.

Thames Coromandel area response manager Senior Sergeant Graham Shields extended police's sympathies to Amie's friends and family.

"Police are assisting the Waikato Regional Council's harbourmaster's office in investigating what has occurred," Mr Shields said.

"At this stage it appears two people were on a paddle board crossing Whangamata Harbour when they were caught in a strong outgoing current about 2pm.

"Combined with strong winds this current forced the board under a moored yacht."

Mr Shields said one of the people on the board jumped clear, but Amie was unable to and was submerged under the water for several minutes.

"People at the scene pulled her from the water and commenced CPR which was continued onshore by arriving medical and ambulance staff, but this was ultimately unsuccessful.

"At this point we would like to again urge people to take the time to identify what tides and currents are doing and never underestimate the power of moving water.

"Also be aware of the limits of your own abilities in the water and those of the people with and around you."

Friends paid tribute to Amie on Facebook today.

Grace Ngataua said: "...to hear the tragic news your life is no longer here today because of the ocean is very heart breaking. Just goes to show how precious life is fly high chick."

Waka Smith said: "Gone to soon, your in gods hands now. You were such a bubbly and humble girl at school and you always had a beautiful smile on that beautiful face of yours. you had such a bright future ahead of you."