Editorial: Water skills essential in Bay lifestyle

Maninder Singh drowned at Lake McLaren this week leaving behind devastated wife Jessica. Photo / Supplied

The loss of two lives at McLaren Falls Park this week is a timely reminder of the importance of water safety, and learning basic water survival skills.

Two men got into difficulty at Lake McLaren late on Monday . One was on a rope swing which snapped, then his friend went in after him to help.

A grieving friend said the group was from northern India where there are no significant beaches or rivers. Only about 20 to 30 per cent of people from the area knew how to swim, he said.

"I think it's very important to learn to swim here. If you're staying in New Zealand, learn to swim. Because if something happens, there's no way to come out of the water."

As we head into the summer months, fun in and around the water is a key part of life here in the Bay. Our beautiful coastline, waterfalls, rivers and lakes are one of the reasons many of us live here, after all.

But it is vitally important that we stay safe in the water.

When I was a kid, my parents insisted all my siblings and I had swimming lessons from age 5 till we could swim a mile without stopping. The theory behind the 1600m non-stop swim was that it would mean we were strong enough swimmers to survive whatever our watery island life could throw at us.

And it's a skill that has stuck with all eight of us through to adulthood. I hate to think how much they paid for lessons over the years, but I guarantee every cent was money well spent.

Learning to swim is an essential life skill that we all benefit from, as much as knowing how to budget, cook and drive are. Confidence in the water is so important.

If you don't know how to swim, or aren't confident, have lessons. It doesn't matter what age you are, you won't regret it.

And while you're out enjoying the big blue this summer, look after yourselves. Swim between the flags, tell people where you're going and keep an eye on your friends and family.

If you see someone in trouble, call for assistance. Don't go in after them unless you are absolutely certain you have the skills needed to help. If we all look out for each other, hopefully we'll get through summer without more unnecessary tragedy.