Tracey Chatterton: Water can be fun, but dangerous

Have fun in the water - but be safe.

Children make Christmas.

Their eyes light up when they see Santa has left presents under the Christmas tree.

The day is often filled with laughter and smiles as they play with their new toys and perhaps the odd tear if they haven't quite got sharing down pat.

Jimmy Atilua Laulu's family will never again see the sparkle in their little boy's eyes.

They never expected a fun day at the beach to end in tragedy.

The 3-year-old was playing with his cousins and other children on Ocean Beach, near Havelock North, when he drowned in a lagoon on Christmas Day.

Family had been frantically looking for him when his body was found beneath the water.

He had been surrounded by family in and around the water. However it takes just one rough wave to knock a little one off their feet.

It takes 60 seconds and five centimetres of water only for a child to drown.

The water can be unpredictable so it pays to be very careful and keep your little ones close.

As soon as they are old enough they need to understand not to go in the water without an adult.

Another family is also mourning the loss of a son.

A 12-year-old boy was killed on Boxing Day when he fell from a sea biscuit and was struck by a passing boat.

He was flown to Dunedin Hospital after the incident at Blue Lake, in Central Otago but died of his injuries.

Again, what started out as a fun day on the water took a turn for the worse.

In just a moment these family's lives changed dramatically.

Our condolences go to both families.