The four people who drowned in the Firth of Thames on Sunday were in water over their heads, the police confirmed yesterday.
Sergeant Jim Corbett of Thames said they almost certainly became exhausted while fighting to keep children afloat and fighting against the strong tide and current.
He said Shona Rivers had died desperately trying to keep her 7-year-old, Reremoana, from drowning.
Even after her death she saved her daughter's life, as Reremoana used her mother's body to stay afloat, although she lost consciousness.
The other victims were Ms Rivers' sister Valerie and parents William and Violet.
Richard Maxwell, Mr Rivers' boss at Hamilton decorating firm GMR Holmac, said the 54-year-old had shown his swimming prowess when he "cleaned up" in a series of informal races during a pre-Christmas barbecue at the municipal pools.
Staff used to look forward to seeing Mr Rivers on Mondays because he often brought in mussels gathered at Te Mata Bay over the weekend.
Te Mata drowning victims out of depth
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