Wise up on water safety, police urge

People are advised to think about water safety this summer after a spate of drownings. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Police have urged the public to think "safety and skills" over water toys after a spate of drownings this summer.

"Boating, kayaking, swimming, diving and other water-related activities are part of the New Zealand lifestyle but it's imperative that people respect the water, and be more safety aware before they hit the sea, lakes or rivers," Senior Sergeant Bruce Adams, head of the Police National Dive Squad, said.

"Time spent on land inspecting equipment, learning how to operate your gear, knowing how to read weather and water conditions, and wearing lifejackets will help save your life and those of your family and friends."

Have fun but do not become drowning victims, Mr Adams said.

The dive squad had recovered the bodies of nine drowning victims since August and many of those people were not wearing lifejackets.

Water Safety New Zealand figures showed 94 people had drowned this year, compared with 98 last year.

"Unfamiliarity with equipment, mixed with limited knowledge of water safety skills, a lack of planning and not choosing the right gear for the job is a recipe for disaster," Mr Adams said.

"Even the best skilled and prepared diver, boatie, or kayaker can be caught out by unexpected breakages or changes in sea conditions."

The situation could get a lot worse for those who were not prepared or did not appreciate how unforgiving the sea could be, Mr Adams said.

Mr Adams said factors contributing to diver deaths included:

- Using up all the available air supply.

- Exceeding safe ascent rates, dive times and insufficient time between dives.

- Poorly maintained equipment, or using gear which has been incorrectly set up or poorly fitted.

- Carrying excessive buoyancy weight or using gear not designed for the purpose.

Other poor diving choices included drugs or alcohol, diving alone, no formal training, exceeding diving capability and failure to monitor weather and water conditions.

- NZPA