Police National Dive Squad members are currently liaising with Central and Waikato Police districts after a tragic day on the water which included a three-year-old boy who drowned in a lagoon at Ocean Beach near Waimarama.
Senior Sergeant Bruce Adams from the Police National Dive Squad says “Christmas day has turned to tragedy after two people have died and another has been flown to hospital in a serious condition at Ruapuke Beach near Raglan.
These events are devastating for all involved and our thoughts go to family and friends, and those working to resolve the cases.
These are on top of another diver death two days ago at Whitianga”, he says.
With the great weather over the country, and the desire to get out on and in the water, Police plea with the public to take care. Please actively monitor those with you and stay in arms length of children at all times.
People need to keep an eye on conditions and changes in water and weather and need to stay well within their abilities, treat the water with respect and caution and avoid alcohol.
“Our beaches, rivers and lakes become more inviting as the holiday period and summer temperatures approach, but we urge everyone to be cautious before taking the plunge. Being safety conscious takes a little time but it’s worth it. These are avoidable tragedies, they are not accidents”, he says.
To avoid these tragedies from occurring we all need to take time to consider all activities around water this coming festive season.
Make sure your equipment and water toys are appropriate for the activity taking place, that you are familiar with how they operate and remember that if all else fails you can save yourself by ensuring your swimming ability is right for the conditions or you are wearing a life jacket.
Ends
Senior Media Advisor Jillian Reid, Public Affairs, PNHQ 021 947 003
Notes for media below:
Unfortunately the Police National Dive Squad have already recovered 21 bodies this year and seen horrendous drowning figures. So far in 2015 there have been 91 drowning fatalities (1 Jan 2015 - 21 Dec 2015), at the same time last year there had been 85 drowning deaths. The total for 2014 was 90.
There have been seven deaths as a result of diving this year so far (up to 21 December), two of these in the Wellington region. This includes snorkel, scuba or free-diving. The five year average is five underwater drowning deaths per year