Police have named the teenager who drowned at Castlecliff Beach, Whanganui, on Christmas Day.
He was Jordon James Marshall, 17, of Whanganui.
A young woman, who says she is Jordon's girlfriend, paid tribute to him on her Facebook page today.
"My biggest fear was losing you, the hardest thing is to try move on, the scariest thing is to try live without you. but you are my hero that is why I am still here today," she said.
"If it wasn't for you I wouldn't be here today. Your story will go viral and I'll make sure people know that you never passed in vain, but for them to know you passed away a hero.
"I'll make sure that everyone knows my boy. You are now in the safe arms of God and your destiny will therefore carry on another journey. Loved my many and will be missed by many xx I love you Jordan."
The young woman also posted a photo featuring Jordan and captioned: "My hero".
Jordon's body was found last night.
Police have said that on Friday afternoon, he and his girlfriend were swimming off the beach at Castlecliff.
They were in the water beside one another when Jordon was caught in a rip.
His partner noticed he was in trouble and tried to raise the alarm but it's understood he quickly disappeared beneath the water's surface and was not seen again.
Polkinghorne was sentenced to 150 hours of community work for drug possession.