Beach goers reminded to stay out of the water

Members of the public heading to the re-opened Mount Maunganui beach over the weekend are reminded they should stay out of the water.

The beach between Mount Maunganui base track and Tay Street was reopened yesterday.

However, this is for public access to the beach only and public health warnings to avoid the oil-contaminated water remain in place.

Surf Lifesaving teams will not be on the beach over the long weekend and beach goers are reminded not to go swimming.

They should also refrain from collecting shellfish and fishing.

Public health information is available at http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/rena_public.

There is still residual oil in the water. Warnings will remain in place until environmental testing confirms the water is safe.