THE sea is very unforgiving and this week's story regarding whitebaiters at the mouth of Lake Onoke taking it on in what appeared to be little short of treacherous conditions should serve as a reminder to all of us not to be too complacent.
The baiters were scooping at the mouth, something I have often done myself, and hopefully managed to return safely with a feed of the tasty morsels but it's a risky business when seas are rough and crashing around you.
The head of Water Safety New Zealand Matt Claridge saw the photos taken at the mouth and declared he was alarmed at the apparent disregard the men were displaying for their own safety.
He rightly stated that whitebaiters get caught up in the moment especially when the bait are running.
It is an exciting pastime and it is so easy to take just a step too far and get into difficulties.
Anyone who has fished for bait, or for that matter has used a surfcaster, can probably recall a time when they have felt the sand being whisked out from beneath their feet.
It's a warning of danger and best to get out of there fast or risk being swept off your feet and perhaps out to sea.
New Zealand has a poor record when it comes to drownings, and each year especially in summer when families take to the beaches we read of tragedy.
The power of water is immense. Hunting for paua in seas that seem placid, I have been occasionally surprised to be smashed against rocks by a surging wave, and that's when taking all the precautions possible.
So being foolhardy brings a whole new element to safety at sea.
Rivers are not to be taken lightly either as freshwater fishermen negotiating rapids will attest.
They have their own hidden dangers such as algae build-up on rocks which can cause you to slip and fall and, if you add the wearing of waders to the mix, then you could be in for a real struggle to get upright again and back to the safety of land.
The hope is that this summer will prove to be an exception to those that have gone before and that fishermen and recreational water users everywhere will enjoy their pursuits without tragedy intervening.