As stated by Inspector Tony Turner, Acting Tairāwhiti Area Commander:
Twelve paddlers made it safely back to shore after their wakas upturned landing them in the sea near the mouth of the Tūranganui River.
Police were called to 'The Cut' at Waikanae Beach in Gisborne just before 7am on Saturday.
On arrival Constable Falloon saw multiple people in the water about 100 metres from the shore.
Six were exiting from the shoreline on arrival and the other six were still in the water.
While talking to bystanders, the six people in the water started to put their hands up signalling to the beach.
Constable Falloon, who is a member of the nearby Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club, utilised some equipment from the club and paddled out to assist.
Thankfully, the paddlers were wearing life jackets.
All twelve people made it back to the beach safely.
He was assisted by another Surf Life Saving member and an off-duty officer.
This is a timely reminder that conditions on the water can change quickly, and even a short time in cold water can be dangerous.
If you're heading out on the water, wear a properly fitted life jacket, check the weather and marine conditions, and let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back.
