IF you noticed the normally brilliant blue colour of local beaches was replaced with a tinge of red, you weren't seeing things.
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A red-coloured seaweed engulfed the Port Macquarie coastline at the weekend although Port Macquarie-Hastings Council head lifeguard James Turnham said there was nothing to be concerned about.
"It is still safe to swim when the red weed is present," he said.
"We just recommend swimming at patrolled beaches as lifeguards and life savers can assess the conditions on daily basis and ensure the safety of our beach users." It is unknown what causes the weed, which is a different make-up to that of normal seaweed, to come in with the tide.
"It's got to do with currents, the sea temperature, and winds as well," Mr Turnham said.
"It's not like regular seaweed because it's really fine; it just means people might have to have a bit of a longer shower when they get out of the water.
"We've been pretty lucky to get away with not having it during the holidays."
Within a week or two the water at beaches should return to its normal colour.