Police, coastguard and lifeguards will hold a search and rescue exercise in the Coromandel this weekend.

The New Zealand Coastguard has confirmed it will have volunteers from Whitianga Coastguard, Waihī Beach Coastguard, Tairua-Pāuanui Coastguard and Whangamatā Coastguard involved on the water to respond to a distress scenario from noon on Saturday October 12.

“We are asking all captains to stay away from the exercise so that the integrity of the search can be maintained,” a spokesperson said.

In a statement, Whitianga Coastguard said the agencies would conduct a combined on-water search and rescue exercise off Hot Water Beach.