The tragic death of a Nelson teenager this week serves as a warning of the risks of suffering from shallow water blackout when holding your breath underwater, a water safety expert says.

He was playing a game that will be familiar to many from childhood. But when Sam Goodenough's turn came to try to hold his breath the longest underwater, the game turned to tragedy, when the16-year-old blacked out and failed to surface.

A teenager has died after reportedly competing with friends to see who could hold their breath underwater the longest.

Play it safe in the water and know your limits this summer, says Water Safety New Zealand.

Authorities are urging parents to stay within arm's reach of their children around water.

The second death in two years at a popular marine reserve has prompted calls for lifeguard patrols.

The mother of a girl who helped to rescue a friend of Raphael Alualu, who drowned after leaping into a swimming hole on Auckland's North Shore, say she is very proud of what her daughter did.

Raphael Alualu was just beginning to make something of his life when it was tragically cut short.

Police have named a 17-year-old boy who went missing after diving into a North Shore lake yesterday.

A Kiwi dad is in mourning after his son was allegedly drowned by the toddler's mother off the coast of Western Australia.

To protect the occupants from the elements, tarpaulins are strung up between the poles to create makeshift walls.