Three kayakers wearing ill-fitting lifejackets have been rescued after capsizing off Auckland's Maraetai this afternoon.
Police were alerted to the capsize off Maraetai Coast Rd at around 12.50pm, Senior Constable Hayden Hall of the Auckland maritime unit said.
The trio were found in the water by the Eagle police helicopter.
"With the water temperature sitting at around 16C, A member of the Eagle crew entered the water and stayed with the group for approximately five minutes while the police maritime unit and Coastguard headed to the scene.
"It appears all three were ill-prepared. Two kayakers were wearing poorly fitted lifejackets, while another put one on after being instructed to by Eagle," Hall said.
The group safely made it back to shore, with one suffering with hypothermia.
Hall said the kayakers were lucky to have been found in a timely manner given the cold and windy conditions.
"This is a timely reminder that the conditions on the water can change quickly, and even a short time in cold water can be dangerous."
Anyone heading out on the water was advised to wear a properly fitted lifejacket, check the weather and marine conditions, and let someone know where they were going and when they were expected to return.
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