Police issue dangerous sea warning

Dangerous seas have prompted police to issue a warning to swimmers at east coast Coromandel beaches.

Whitianga police said today they were concerned at the number of people reported to be getting into difficulties while swimming at the beaches in the present dangerous conditions.

Senior Constable Callum McGillivray said he was aware of at least three incidents where people have been rescued from rips at Hahei and that similar conditions existed at all the east coast beaches and were worsening.

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

"Conditions are so severe that a local fishing competition has been abandoned - a rare precaution."

Mr McGillivray said beachgoers were urged to swim only in areas patrolled by surf life-savers and to otherwise stay out of the water.

- NZPA