-
Source: ONE News -
Related
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, says.
"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, Adams says.
The dive squad has recovered the bodies of nine drowning victims since August, with many of those people were not wearing life jackets.
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," Adams says.
"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, Adams says.
Police conducted 52 investigations over the past 11 years.
Adams says factors contributing to diver deaths included:
Using up all available air supply;
Exceeding safe ascent rates, dive times and/or insufficient time between dives; poorly maintained equipment, or using gear which has been incorrectly set up or poorly fitted; and carrying excessive buoyancy weight or using gear not specifically
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.
Latest NZ News Video
-
Kiwi speaks to TVNZ7 from Everest base camp (1:59)
-
Immigration advisor Bill Milnes discusses claims (4:34)
-
Dance to save Shakti service (0:41)
