Three swimmers could have faced a tragic end at a Hawkes Bay beach if not for the "heroic efforts" of fellow swimmers, police say.
A 21-year-old woman was caught in a rip and carried about 250-metres off-shore at Waipatiki Beach, north of Napier, about 4pm yesterday, Senior Sergeant Mike Stevenson said.
Her cousin swam out to help, but was also swept out.
A 15-year-old Hawke's Bay boy at the beach swam out and found the 21-year-old and kept her calm, conscious and above water, Mr Stevenson said.
"They were joined by a kayaker who gave [her] his life jacket."