The Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service has established a Givealittle page to raise funds for the family of Hamish Rieger, who drowned over the weekend.

The 17-year-old was with two friends watching the rough sea conditions when he was swept off rocks at Moturiki (Leisure) Island on Saturday afternoon.

Mount Maunganui 17-year-old Hamish Rieger.

Police, coastguard, surf lifesavers and volunteers spent the rest of the afternoon scouring the sea but were unable to locate the Mount Maunganui College student.

The search continued on Sunday morning. Hamish's body was discovered near North Rock by a member of the public at about 11am.

On the Givealittle page, Hamish is described as a 'much-loved member of the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service, water polo gun, event guard extraordinaire and one of the loveliest 17-year-olds you'd ever wish to meet”.

'The surf club has been inundated with offers of support, with many of you wanting to help financially.

'All proceeds will go to Greg and Donna and their beautiful clan, so they can put aside financial considerations and concentrate on grieving and healing.” Read more here.

So far, 27 people had raised $2450 in donations for the Rieger family.

Family spokesperson Jamie Troughton says the family is hoping to finalise arrangements for Hamish's funeral which is likely to take place later this week.