Members of the public and police created a human chain at a Napier beach to haul ashore a boy who was washed out in heavy surf today.
Police said the 12-year-old boy had been playing on the water's edge along Marine Parade with a friend when they were caught by a wave.
The friend made it back to shore but the boy was swept out, police said.
A male German tourist went to the boy's aid but was unable to keep a hold of him and had to return to shore.
Police were called about 4.55pm and the first officer on the scene went into the water.