More awareness could prevent drownings in New Zealand - expert

  • 17/07/2018
A swimming hole.
A swimming hole. Photo credit: iStock

Water Safety New Zealand believes drownings are always preventable if people stick to their limits.

It comes after two people died on Monday while fishing on rocks at Auckland's Muriwai Beach.

Jonty Mills, Water Safety NZ's chief executive, says tourists are particularly at risk as they don't know the conditions.

"They need to be aware of the dangers and know those local conditions," he said. "It may well be asking locals and them being prepared themselves and knowing our own limits."

Mr Mills says people need to be prepared and aware that the conditions can change within a split second.

"It's about being prepared and being aware of the dangers and particularly those local conditions and then making good decisions around those conditions," he said.

He says rock fishing is becoming more popular and people must be careful.

Newshub.