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Swimmers Warned To Stay Away From Sinkhole

Swimmers have been warned to stay away from a beach after a sinkhole the size of a football pitch opened up.

Officials said the sinkhole swallowed part of Jumpinpin Beach on North Stradbroke Island off of Queensland state in Australia, according to local media.

The sinkhole is believed to be about 100 metres (328ft) wide.

Surf Life Saving Queensland wrote on Twitter: "North Straddie sinkhole does not = good swimming hole! Stay well back from edge & remember to #swimbetweentheflags."

Another message added: "North Straddie now believed to be affected by significant coastal erosion from strong tidal changes, after consultation with land managers."

The area is reported to be a popular fishing spot, but is only accessible by 4x4.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service said some of the sand was beginning to return with the tide, the Brisbane Times reported.

"It's an area where the sand is constantly shifting," QPWS southeast regional director Mick Cubis said.

"Queensland's coastal sand masses are dynamic environments and change all the time due to wind, tides and waves."