So many people are visiting the harbour beaches in Coromandel's Whangamata, lifeguards have concerns for the public's safety.

The lifeguard service has been urgently extended to include the wharf and harbour beaches.

"With the extended fine weather and cool on-shore breeze, upwards of 400 people per day are making their way to the harbour beaches," Thames Coromandel District Council area manager Garry Towler said.

People were enjoying the more sheltered bay and wharf jumping zones and in the last week there had been more people on the wharf beaches than the main beach, he said.

"The rise in numbers using the harbour beaches increases the risks not only to those in the water but to boaties and charter operators using the wharf as well."

The Whangamata Community Board approved a discretionary fund over the weekend to get a professional lifeguard and volunteer on site, he said.

NZN

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Whangamata lifeguard service extended