Why swim security issues this summer season – Te Ao Māori News

Rising temperatures are drawing crowds to seashores throughout Aotearoa, and the decision for water security is stronger than ever as we enter our highest danger drowning season.

Water Safety New Zealand stories that over 43% of drownings happen over summer season. Compelled by his personal errors, Spokesperson and ex-navy diver Robb Hewitt hopes swimmers and divers can study from a near-tragic occasion in 2006 that almost value him his life.

“How did I go missing out at sea for 75 hours? I crossed over tikanga, protocols and processes. My grandfather said I should only get enough for a feed and I was trying to be too greedy and get all the crayfish that I could”, says Hewitt.

Hewitt broke his golden rule of all the time diving with a buddy, a security measure he had learnt within the navy, and was swept out to sea alone by a present after making an attempt to seize many crayfish deep underwater. He believes that tikanga must be on the forefront of our minds.

“Tangaroa makes no mistakes” says Hewitt.

The message comes with the discharge of coronial findings into the dying of a 43-year-old, whom Te Ao Māori News has determined to not identify, with findings saying that the drowning might have been prevented.

“The important thing is making sure that you return home safely, especially during this time at Christmas. If you think you should, then maybe you shouldn’t. If you think you can see a crayfish which is a little bit deeper, maybe you should just come back another day,” says Hewitt.

All underwater deaths reported in 2024 have been males, and 75% of these fatalities occurred when shut buddy contact wasn’t maintained. Kai gathering can be linked to 26% of annual drowning fatalities, which disproportionately influence Māori, Pasifika and Asian communities.

Surf Life Savers New Zealand’s Kaihatū Brent Matehaere says swimmers ought to put together earlier than they hit the water.

“Titiro ki te the conditions, to the āhua o te moana”, says Matehaere.

Matehaere advises that folks heading to the seaside test the swell and the Safeswim App to search out lifeguarded spots.

“We have our amazing mana pou moana all around Aotearoa that are standing there in red and yellow between the flags. Kōrero, ask them questions, get that those conversations going”.

10 recommendations on keep water protected this summer season

As really helpful by Surf Life Saving NZ and Water Safety NZ

1. Always dive with a buddy

Stay shut sufficient to your buddy to present or obtain quick assist.

2. Wear the precise swim gear

Lavalava, heavy jackets, denims or gumboots are good on the shore however will weigh you down when you take them in or close to water.

Wear garments which might be designed for the water, like board shorts, togs, wetsuits and even lifejackets or flotation gadgets.

3. Check the circumstances

Check the swell (wave dimension) and head to Safeswim for data on water high quality, swimming circumstances and lifeguarded seashores.

4. If you don’t know float, don’t go into the water

Being in a position to float when you find yourself within the water can improve your probability of survival and permit you to calm your self and maintain your airways out of the water.

It is really helpful that anybody going into the water have the ability to float first.

5. Adhere to tikanga

Tikanga has whakapapa and is handed right down to maintain you protected.

Whether karakia, not diving for greater than you possibly can eat, or adhering to rāhui, tikanga can information us on get residence safely.