Lifeguards are calling for caution along the Bay coastline today as a king tide and large swells have created dangerous conditions.

Surf Life Saving Eastern Region Lifesaving Manager Leigh Sefton says beach-goers should take extra care and stay away from the water's edge.

Large swells down on Mount Main Beach today. Photos: Rosalie Crawford.

'People shouldn't consider swimming in these conditions we're experiencing at the moment,” he says.

At Mount Maunganui, lifeguards have already moved some children to safety that were close to being swept out by large waves.

The king tide has waves rolling up as high as the grass banks and the Mount base track, which the council has temporarily closed along with Leisure Island.

Lifeguards are advising people to stay out of the water and, as there is no area considered safe for swimming at present, there is no flagged patrol area running until the conditions are reassessed throughout the day.

'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.”

Leigh says the king tides and large swells are creating dangerous conditions along much of the Bay coastline and up through to the Coromandel.

'Currently, the waves at Whiritoa are around 8-10 foot, he says.

'If you are out along the Bay coastline today, please be vigilant and on high alert for large incoming waves and make sure children are kept within arm's reach at all times.

Visit www.surflifesaving.org.nz for more information and safety tips.

Whakatane District Council has closed the coastal section of the Nga Tapuwae of Toi Track, due to the danger created by storm surges generated by Cyclone Victor.

"The closure is at the request of the Harbourmaster and follows several reported instances of people being struck by rogue waves," says a statement from the council.

"That situation creates a particular risk along the Otarawairere Bay section of the track and the exit at West End in Ohope. The situation will be monitored and as soon as the risk caused by the high seas has abated, the track will be reopened."

Closure signage will be in place at both ends of the track and we would ask the public to follow the closure advice, for their own safety.

The Base Track at Mauao remains closed.