Whakatane police have released the name of the 22-year-old man who died at Ohope Beach.
Sumit Goel, an Indian national who had been living at Ohope, drowned after he had difficulties in the surf about 12.30pm on Saturday. Senior Sergeant Bruce Jenkinsof the Whakatane police said the conditions were safe but
Mr Goel was out of his depth in the water.
"He didn't know how to swim which unfortunately has led to his demise."
However, Mr Jenkins praised the rescue efforts of Ohope locals and off-duty Coastguard volunteers David Marshall, his wife Kim and their 18-year-old daughter Chloe and another Coastguard volunteer Stephen Clews.
"They did a sterling job, it was a magnificent effort," Mr Jenkins said. "They did everything you can expect of people in the community. They alerted the emergency services, set up observation points and got into the water as soon as they could."
Mr Goel was found face down in the water about 20 minutes from when the alarm was first raised. He was unable to be revived.
