Tributes continue to flow through social media for the Mount Maunganui teenager Hamish Rieger who apparently drowned after being swept off rocks on Leisure Island.

The 17-year-old was with two friends when he was hit by a wave and washed out to sea yesterday afternoon.

Family spokesman Jamie Troughton talking to media. Photos: Cameron Avery.

Police, the Coastguard and surf lifesavers were unable to locate the Mount Maunganui College student last night. A search for the youngster began at first light today.

His body was discovered at 11am this morning by a member of the public near North Rock says Mt Maunganui Lifeguard Service president Brent Warner at a press conference held at 3pm this afternoon outside their clubrooms.

Mt Maunganui Lifeguard Service president Brent Warner.

The body was located off North Rock which is on the North side of Mount Maunganui at the early stages of the harbour entrance.

The base track was closed so the body could be transferred to the Coastguard Sealegs Rescue boat which had driven on to the beach for the recovery. From there the body was then transported to Sulphur Point to search headquarters.

Family spokesperson Jamie Troughton says the family were devastated by the loss of Hamish. They were also grateful to all those who had taken part in the search for the son of Greg and Donna Rieger.

Hamish was a member of the Mt Maunganui Lifeguard Service and would be dearly missed.

Tributes for the youngster have flowed through on social media with Karleen Elphick posting on Facebook, 'So sad and wow he was a lifeguard as well. His loss is incredibly sad [and] will be felt by many of his friends and family and community who knew him.”

Ebz Brown posted, 'Thank you for all your hard work as a life guard. [Rest in peace] young man. Condolences to your family and friends.”

On the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard page a tribute was also posted.

'It's with aching, weeping hearts we farewell one of our members, Hamish Rieger, who was swept off rocks on Moturiki Island last night. Our beautiful ocean can be a cruel mistress but at least she gave Hamish back to us today.

'To the Rieger clan, who have contributed so much to our club and our movement over the years, we offer our total, unconditional love and support,” the post states.

'To our members, those lifeguards from our fantastic neighbouring clubs and clubbies from further afield, you have made us all proud once more with your professionalism and dedication.

'To our community, we know you will be there for us, as we are for you.”

To read more of the reactions click here.