A windsurfer has been rescued by Coastguard Tauranga volunteers on Tauranga harbour this evening, while boaties are being urged to avoid heading out on the water.

"At approximately 6pm this evening, Coastguard was contacted by a member of the public who had spotted a windsurfer in difficulty near Otūmoetai channel, off Beach Road," said a Coastguard Tauranga spokesperson.

Coastguard said within minutes, 14 of their Tauranga volunteers training on their two rescue vessels nearby were on the scene and found the windsurfer.

"The conditions were choppy with strong winds. The crew took the windsurfer, who thankfully had no injuries, and their gear, safely back to shore."

One of the Coastguard Tauranga vessels. Photo/Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

The windsurfer used a mobile phone which helped the Coastguard volunteers locate him.

"The windsurfer was fatigued due to the strong winds and was unable to get back onto his board, but luckily he was carrying a water-proofed mobile phone and was able to make a call to Coastguard himself while he was stuck out there," Coastguard said.

"Our crew spotted him shining his phone's torch out on the water."

Warning to boaties and windsurfers as weather conditions worsen

Boaties in the region are asked to consider cancelling their on-water plans this Easter weekend due to the predicted impacts of Cyclone Tam. 

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Harbourmaster Jon Jon Peters said that the MetService forecast for the region of heavy rain, strong winds and swells of up to 5m, creates dangerous conditions for boaties.  

“Conditions on the water heading into the long weekend will be rough, uncomfortable and potentially hazardous. 

“We encourage skippers to check both the latest marine forecast and the weather conditions before carefully considering whether they head out or not.” 

Bay of Plenty Regional Harbourmaster Jon Jon Peters. Photo/Supplied.

Peters said safe boating practices are vital when faced with more challenging weather.  

“We want everyone to enjoy their Easter holiday, but ask that boaties make the right decision to ensure that they, and those they are responsible for, remain safe.” 

Coastguard advises all boaties, windsurfers, kitesurfers, kayakers and paddleboarders to avoid the water at all costs over the next few days while Cyclone Tam unfolds.

Keep monitoring the marine weather forecast at www.metservice.co.nz/marine.

For all boating safety tips, visit www.boprc.govt.nz/boating-in-the-bay 

For the latest weather forecast, visit MetService - Te Ratonga Tirorangi or visit Windy: Wind map & weather forecast.