The "unprecedented" uptick in drownings over the 2021/2022 summer holiday period was alarming. Video / NZ Herald'
Friends of a man who drowned in Ōpōtiki on Boxing Day say he was “one hell of a nice guy” and will be dearly missed.
Jim Kemp was pulled from the water at Cape Runaway about 7pm. He was given medical attention but sadly died at the scene, police said.
His death was the first in a tragic 12 hours that saw three people lose their lives in the water on Boxing Day night.
The Hutt River in the Wellington region was blessed this morning after a swimmer failed to surface, was pulled from the water, and also pronounced dead at the scene. The third incident that night happened at a South Auckland address.
Kemp was a lifetime member of the Waihau Bay Sport Fishing Club and was listed as the club’s vice president.
The club posted on Facebook that its Christmas tournament has been postponed to a later date in January “in light of the tragic passing of a well-respected community man”.
A rāhuiwas in place in the wider Waihau Bay area. This area included Raukokore School to Midway, which is between Lottin Point and Hicks Bay, the club said.
“Please show respect to the family and the community at this time.”
Kemp’s family did not wish to make any further comment at this time.
Another person drowned on the same night in the Hutt River in the area of Waterworks Rd.
Later on the same night that Kemp drowned, emergency services were called to Kaitoke Regional Park in Upper Hutt at 12.15am.
Police said a person failed to surface during a swim in the Hutt River near the area of Waterworks Rd.
The person was pronounced dead at the scene after being pulled from the water.
Greater Wellington Regional Council environment management general manager Al Cross said staff, and especially park rangers, were saddened by the tragic drowning.
