Kayaker stranded on Lake Taupo shows importance of carrying waterproof communication - Police

Coastguard had to rescue a 40-year-old Turangi woman who went fishing in a 6m sea kayak on Lake Taupo and became stranded tonight. Photo / File

A 40-year-old Turangi woman who went fishing in a 6m sea kayak on Lake Taupo tonight had to be rescued after she became stranded in choppy conditions.

The woman went out on the lake about 5pm without any form of waterproof communication.

When her partner looked for her at 8.30pm and couldn't see her, he phoned police.

Meanwhile, a Pukawa resident called police to say he'd been watching a kayak, but it had blown so far offshore he lost sight of it as the sun was setting.

The woman was found by Coastguard about 3km offshore in her kayak, frantically waving her paddle. She was safely returned to her partner.

"Whilst the woman was suitably dressed, was wearing a buoyancy vest and had a vessel suitable for the conditions, she did not have any means of communication," Barry Shepherd, of Taupo Police said.

"This event serves as reminder to all people going out on the water to always carry two separate waterproof ways of communication so they can call for help if necessary."