Opinion: Know your limits in the water

No matter how confident in the water you are it is important to know your limits in the sea. PHOTO/FILE

While I was out surfing (well, attempting to surf) this week I was reminded of just how powerful the ocean is.

The surf was small and the current light but getting dumped by a couple of waves reminded me just how dangerous the water can be for those not used to it.

This week we reported on Water Safety New Zealand figures which showed there have been 18 preventable drownings in Tauranga during the past six years, including four in the year to December 21 last year - and that's not counting the child who drowned in the Wainui River on Christmas Eve or the man who drowned while kayaking in Whangamata on Boxing Day.

As cheesy as it sounds, that's 18 deaths too many.

I grew up around the water, spending summer holidays at the beach, out on the boat or in swimming pools, so I'm a relatively confident swimmer. I am, however, always wary to stay within my limits.

Being a novice surfer, I avoid going out when the surf is too big and unless the waves are tiny and the sea calm, I also avoid going past where I can touch the bottom without a surfboard or something to float on.

Things can change fast in the water and you can easily find yourself in trouble if you push your limits and don't have your wits about you.

If you know your limits and stay within them, you are far less likely to find yourself in trouble.

On top of that, every person living in New Zealand should learn how to swim - even if it is only enough to reach the edge of the pool if you fall in.

Get a friend who can swim to take you to the local pool and give you some lessons.

If you can't swim, or are not very confident, stay away from beaches, rivers and lakes.

Wading in ankle deep water is not likely to be a problem but one freak wave could be enough to knock you off your feet and sweep you out to sea.