Taupo Police are urging holiday-makers to be cautious -- after two swimmers struck trouble on the Waikato River in the last 24 years

Both got into difficulty on what is known as the 'river float', between Control Gates Bridge and Hipapatua Reserve, situated just before Huka Falls.

They were attempting to go down the river on floatation devices designed and sold for use in pools.

Police are advising not to participate in the river float at this time, due to the swift current -- with the river at a high-level and flowing quickly.