Two men are safely back on shore after being rescued from their overturned boat at Kaituna River this afternoon.

The Maketu Coastguard rescue boat. Photo: file.

Emergency services were called to the Ford Rd water entrance in Maketu when a 15ft aluminium boat carrying two men, believed to be in their 20s, overturned just before 1pm.

Maketu Fire Brigade chief fire officer Shane Beech says the two men were returning from a fishing trip when a wave caused their boat to roll onto the bar about 100m offshore.

Shane says people on another boat rescued the two men from the water, while Maketu Coastguard and Fire Brigade were called.

Maketu Coastguard's rescue boat was able to retrieve the men's upside down boat which had floated about 400m away from the shore.

Shane says the two men were assessed by St John Ambulance staff on scene and no-one was transported to hospital.

'Their boat's a little bit worse for wear unfortunately but still repairable.”

He says both men were wearing their lifejackets.

'That's the crucial thing is wear a lifejacket. It will save your life.”