Taupō police and coastguard have responded to help two swimmers in trouble on the Waikato River just before Huka Falls. Photo: 123RF
Police are urging swimmers not to use floatation devices on the Waikato River after two people had to be rescued over 24 hours.
In the last day, Taupō police and coastguard have responded to help two swimmers in trouble on the Waikato River.
Police said the two swimmers found themselves in difficulty in an area known as the 'river float' between Control Gates Bridge and Hipapatua Reserve, which is situated just before Huka Falls.
In a statement, senior sergeant Andy Livingstone said both swimmers were attempting to float down the river on inflatable devices that were meant for pool use.
"We are very fortunate the outcome didn't end in tragedy on both occasions," Livingstone said.
Police urged people not to use floatation devices on that section of the Waikato River due to the danger presented by current conditions.
Livingstone said swimmers and those floating down the river had been getting caught in the current as the water was running high and very quickly.
In particular, swimmers were being pushed into an area where a large pine tree had fallen into the river.
Five floatation devices had been retrieved from the tree by police and coastguard.
Police warned river-goers that conditions could be unpredictable and dangers hard to detect.
River depths change each summer and hidden objects can moved by underwater currents.
