A king tide combined with large swells have lifeguards on high alert in the Bay of Plenty.
Beachgoers are being urged to take extra care and stay out of the water, with dangerous conditions along much of the Bay of Plenty coastline, through to the Coromandel.
"People shouldn’t consider swimming in these conditions we’re experiencing at the moment," says Surf Life Saving Eastern Region's Leigh Sefton.
Lifeguards at Mount Maunganui have already moved some children to higher ground after they were at risk of being swept out to sea, he says.
There is currently no flagged patrol at Mount Maunganui, with no area considered safe enough to enter the water.
"Lifeguards are still around the clubhouse, so don’t be afraid to go and talk to them and ask for any advice - a flagged patrol area will be set up as soon as it is deemed safe to do so," says Mr Sefton.
Earlier today the Tauranga City Council closed Mount/Mauao Base Track, due to the potential danger of waves reaching the area.
Access to Moturiki Island (Leisure Island) was also closed.
The warning comes just days after a young lifeguard died at Mount Maunganui and person another drowned at Hot Water Beach.
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