The Ngatiawa River was packing power on Sunday. Photo: Supplied / NZ police
Packing a personal locator beacon paid off for two teenagers, when one was swept down a river north of Wellington on Sunday.
The two 15-year-olds were returning from an overnight hike to Kapakapanui Hut in the Tararua Forest Park, when they fell into trouble trying to cross the Ngatiawa River.
Constable Alex McCormack said the river was rising from heavy rain, and the flow swept one of the boys off his feet and carried him downstream.
"His friend made the right choice not to go in after him. The boys thought it was crossable, but underestimated the power the water was packing."
The teen in the water managed to reach safety, but on the opposite riverbank.
He stayed where he was and activated the locator beacon, while the other boy walked to the end of the track to await police and family members.
"The search and rescue team were able to assist the second teen out, and both of them were fine - just a little cold and wet.
"The fact they're okay is a real relief, given what the river was looking like."
Some of the Land Search and Rescue volunteers who helped locate the two boys. Photo: Supplied / NZ police
Constable McCormack said the rescue showed the value of taking a locator beacon and studying the weather forecast.
"Both these guys did lots of things right, but it shows how quickly the conditions can change."
Constable McCormack said it was not safe to risk crossing a flooded or fast-rising river.
"Despite all that, they packed a locator beacon and used it when they needed to.
"Importantly, the one with the beacon stayed put after activating it, so we were able to find them without any trouble."
Constable McCormack said the rescue effort included Land Search and Rescue volunteers, the Rescue Coordination Centre and local landowners, who provided advice and allowed the rescue team access through their land.
"There are a lot of people willing to drop everything to help a stranger and we couldn't do it without them," he said.
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