A 22-year-old Indian male drowned at Ohope Beach in the Eastern Bay of Plenty at about 12.30pm today.

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Whakatane Police acting sergeant Helen Hay says the deceased was boogie boarding with friends when he and another male in his early 20's got into difficulty in the surf just off the beach.

She says sea conditions at the time were calm however the deceased was not an able swimmer.

A Search and Rescue operation was commenced involving the jet ski club, surf life saving club and rescue services.

"One person was pulled from the water by a Jet Ski and survived," says Helen.

"The deceased was found lying face down in the water. He was pulled from the water and CPR was initiated immediately but despite continued effort from Ambulance Service and Ohope Volunteer Fire Brigade, he was not able to be revived."

The name of the deceased will not be released until next of kin have been advised.