By the first week of November, 2019 had seen 62 preventable drowning fatalities in New Zealand.
Nine of these (15 percent) happened while the victim was undertaking an underwater activity such as diving.
Senior Sergeant Bruce Adams is head of the Police National Dive Squad (PNDS), whose sad job it often is to retrieve the bodies of drowning victims and return them to their loved ones.
“Diving deaths are hugely tragic events for family and friends - arising out of one of New Zealand’s favourite pastimes,” he says.
Bruce offers the following advice for having fun and staying safe while diving.
“To avoid these tragedies, we all need to take time to consider our activities around water this coming festive season, even if it is just ensuring we are actively watching and supervising those in the water.
“Part of the Police National Dive Squad's role is testing equipment that has been recovered in diver deaths.
“Often a combination of factors leads to fatalities. The onus is on the diver themselves to recognise, maintain or manage these issues to ensure a safe diving experience.”
CEO of Water Safety New Zealand, Jonty Mills, wants everyone to take personal responsibility for their safety this summer.
“Since 2014, 40 percent of all preventable drowning fatalities have happened while people were alone,” says Jonty.
“Always take a buddy whatever the aquatic activity – especially diving. And while on board always wear a lifejacket and take two waterproof ways to call for help.”
PNDS has made it a priority to spread the safety message and members regularly give presentations to dive clubs.
Bruce says they have identified a number of common factors in dive fatalities, including;
• using all of the available air supply
• exceeding safe ascent rate and or dive times
• carrying excessive weight and becoming negatively buoyant
• conducting unsafe diving activities
• failing to monitor the weather.
The most important safety tips: “Make sure the equipment that you are using, you are familiar with. Plan for the worst and you won't get caught out,” he says.
ENDS