A rescue attempt off the Tauranga coast has turned out to be a false alarm this morning.
What was thought to be three people in need of help near Matakana Island ended up being three experienced surfers minding their own business.
Mount Surf Club life member Kent Jarman confirmed the rescue was "all over" and turned out to be three surfers boating out to Matakana Island.
Emergency services were called about 10.45am.
"Someone on the Mount saw them jump out of the boat but didn't see the fact that they had surfboards underneath them."