Beach warning for Coromandel

Whitianga Police are concerned at the number of people reported to be getting into difficulties while swimming at east coast Coromandel beaches in the present dangerous sea conditions.

Senior Constable Callum McGillivray is aware of at least three incidents where people have been rescued from rips at Hahei alone and notes that similar conditions exist at all the east coast beaches and are worsening.

Swells of at least 2.5 metres are generating large waves and sweeping, unpredictable rips all along the coast.

McGillivray states that conditions are so severe that a local fishing competition has been abandoned - a rare precaution.

Beachgoers are urged to swim only in areas patrolled by surf life-savers and to otherwise stay out of the water.