People don't have enough respect for the sea and the result is often deadly.

The water is incredibly inviting and incredibly unforgiving, water safety boss says.

The pair were sailing along remote South Island coastline without a Marine VHS radio.

The number of people aged over 65 drowning in preventable deaths has skyrocketed.

Water Safety New Zealand, who developed the technology, believe it will make a difference.

Other fishermen tried desperately to save the man but he was quickly sucked out to sea.

Off-duty lifeguards save four from the water after they were swept out by rip.

Peter McKenzie and his two friends were returning from a whitebaiting trip.

Eighteen people have drowned so far this year, compared to 22 same time last year.

Comment: It's time for some common sense and basic etiquette around selfies.

Warning issued as start of Kiwi summer marked by water-related incidents.

At least 12 beaches across Auckland are ones to avoid today.

The body of a 65-year-old man was discovered in the Wairoa River this morning.

Ben Gardner drowned a couple of weeks before Christmas while saving a young girl.

Girl survives by holding on to branch after being swept down Motueka River.

Surge in the number of inexperienced Auckland boaties prompts new water safety strategy.

Firefighter describes condition of cold, wet and hypothermic baby just after ocean rescue.

Drowning rate among under-fives a "genuine and serious concern", Water Safety NZ says.

Friends and family of Jack Sutton have barely left the beach where the teen was last seen.

Whanganui mum Holly Toohill said she has nightmares about the day her son nearly drowned.

Each death a 'heartbreaking tragedy', Water Safety NZ's Jonty Mills says.

Parents have gone to court in Australia over whether he should be buried or cremated.

Numbers picking our most dangerous beaches show many of them are also our most popular.

As preventable summer drownings hit a six-year high, Labour are calling for greater swimming education at schools to keep young Kiwia safe in our waterways.

'She'll be right' attitude will be the death of young men in our waters.

The deaths of 21 young Kiwi men who drowned in our waterways last year were preventable, Water Safety New Zealand says.

The Government wants to repeal the Swimming Pool Fencing Act of 1987, a comprehensive act that has saved at least 21 children since its introduction.

With the Surf Life Saving New Zealand patrol season officially ending this Easter weekend, and many boaties still out on the water, New Zealanders are being urged not to be complacent about safety.

The holiday drowning toll is a "huge disappointment", Water Safety New Zealand says.