Blue bottles are the latest threat swarming Bay of Plenty beaches.

NewstalkZB reporter Briony Sowden says thousands have been washed ashore on to Papamoa beach because of strong winds recently.

Director of surf life saving at Papamoa, Shaun Smith, says they’re posing a real danger to swimmers, and people need to keep a watchful eye for what’s around them.

He says more than fifty children were treated for stings on Sunday:

Several sharks have also been spotted along the Bay of Plenty coastline, believed to be lurking close to shore because of warmer waters.

– NewstalkZB