Community in shock at teen's death

SWEPT TO SEA: Dylan Robinson.

Ripiro beach, Northland

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An Aucklander who drowned after being caught in a rip at a beach near Dargaville at the weekend has been described as a "lovely teenage boy".

Dylan Robinson, 14, died on Saturday after he and another boy were swept out to sea at Northland's notorious Ripiro beach.

The other teenager was brought back to shore by onlookers, however Robinson was swept further out.

Coastguard and Air Search crews scoured the area and Robinson's body was found around 5.30pm.

Robinson, who had four siblings, was a Year 9 student at Waitakere College.

The school's principal Mark Shanahan today said Robinson had a tight group of friends and was coming to grips with life as a secondary school student.

"For our community [his death] is a big shock," he said.

"Teenagers are a great group of people but they're very vulnerable to these situations that occur and it's very sad so we have a good support system in place to look after the students."

In tribute to Robinson, the college has flown its flag at half-mast for the past three days and a large contingent of students and staff will attend his funeral this afternoon at the Morrison Funeral Home in Henderson.

Shanahan said he had been in touch with the teenager's family and they were holding up "as best as can be expected".

"It's a very tragic time for them."

Robinson's death has been referred to the coroner.

- © Fairfax NZ News