The Katikati Masters Swimming Club has cancelled its annual ocean swim for the second year in a row.
The event, which attracts more than 80 swimmers, was cancelled last year because of rough weather, and this year, it's been canned due to strewn debris from Rena.
Katikati Masters Swimming Clubsecretary Leon Ruttersmith said it was "very, very disappointing" but swimmers' safety was paramount.
The 2km swim from Orokawa to Waihi Beach was to have taken place on Sunday.
Mr Ruttersmith said support craft was also threatened by Rena's spillage and it wasn't worth the risk.
Last year the event had to be cancelled due to massive easterlies and heavy surf.
"We hope to be third-time lucky next year," Mr Ruttersmith said.
The ocean swim, which is sponsored by Waihi Beach Top 10 Holiday Resort, attracts swimmers from the Bay of Plenty and elsewhere, with many competitors booking out accommodation months in advance.
The club's annual pool meet the night before the competition at Dave Hume Swimming Pool, would still go ahead.
Mr Ruttersmith said pre-paid fees would be donated to the Waihi Beach Surf Club, Coastguard and St John, but anyone wanting their money back could email ruttersmith@slingshot.co.nz.
Meanwhile, the Tauranga Bridge to Bridge Swim on January 21 and Round the Mount Swim on January 22 are scheduled to go ahead.
The NZ Offshore Powerboat Championship, due to be held at Sulphur Point on Saturday, has also been cancelled.
