Swimming restrictions lifted

Following discussions with the Bay of Plenty Medical Officer of Health, Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) has relaxed restrictions prohibiting swimming at the main Mount Maunganui beach.


Despite mixed messages from officials over the last couple of days, the main beach has been declared safe to swim in.

A section of beach between the Mount, and Tay Street was re-opened to the public on Friday, but restrictions on swimming remained in place.

MNZ National On Scene Commander Alex van Wijngaarden says public health officials have now confirmed it was safe to swim, as long as members of the public contuinue to exercise caution.

'We've now had 12 days without any significant release of oil from Rena,” Alex says.

'We are continuing to clean and re-clean the open stretch of beach and we are confident the amounts of residual oil in the water are low.”

However, Alex says there was still oil in the environment and people needed to be vigilant if they chose to go into the water.

'People should be careful and look out for any sign of oil contamination. Although the residual oil is a lot less toxic than fresh oil, people should still avoid it.”

The rest of the beach, from Tay Street to Maketu remain closed to the public.

People should continue to avoid direct contact with the oil and if they do smell or see oil in the water, they should leave the area.

People are also encouraged to report any oil they see to 0800 OIL SPILL.

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