'R.I.P ma bra' - Tears for teen Jarod Lineses after he is found dead at 90 Mile Beach

Jarod Lineses was swept out to sea on December 27. Photo / Supplied

Tributes have been paid to a 16-year schoolboy whose body was found washed up on 90 Mile Beach yesterday.

The discovery of Jarod Lineses three kilometres north of Hukatere brings to end a five-day vigil and search by his family and police after he was dragged out to sea.

Jarod and his family had been swimming at 90 Mile Beach on December 27 when he was caught in the undertow.

Police said the family had been visiting from Henderson, Auckland.

Belen Caballes, a friend of the family, said: "They are coping at the moment but the worst thing will be when we go back to Auckland today. We are trying to comfort them the best we can."

The family had been at the beach twice a day trying to find him, she said.

One of Jarod's close friends, Fuila Euklaiti Vea, paid tribute to him on Facebook.

"Jarod Lineses R.I.P ma bra. We have been friends ever since St Marys and throughout Rosmini college. You were the most humble and nicest down to earth guy I will ever meet!!"

"Missing someone gets easier everyday. Because, even though it is one day further from the last time you saw each other, it is one day closer to the next time you will.We pray for you and your family."

He added: "A million words would not bring you back. I know because I've tried, and neither will a million tears. I know because I've cried. Continue to Rest In Paradise."

Jarod's family at 90 Mile Beach yesterday. Photo / Supplied

A post-mortem will be carried out later today, with the funeral planned for Monday.

Last week, Far North Surf Rescue chairman Dave Ross told Radio New Zealand that the swells on the day were 1.5 metres high and the family had been swimming in an area plagued by a rip.

"The rip extended out into the deep water behind the surf line...I don't think they realised there was a rip because it was quite clear, the water, which is indicative of a rip and unfortunately they did not read those signs I believe."

He said the boy's family had been extremely distraught.

"The mother is just beside herself and so is the dad...the mother is just so distraught."

On Saturday Hukatere Lodge owner Gabriele Pfaender said she had also spoken to the boy's mother.

"She was just crying and crying and somebody had her in their arms. It's terrible, it makes me sick to think about it.

"The sea is always different, one day it's like a lake and you can go in and other times it's a strong current and you wouldn't ... you've got to be careful in the water always."