Editorial: Heroes deserve thanks

Monday's drowning on the Kaituna River near Okere Falls was another example of a fun day out turning to tragedy. Photo/Stephen Parker

It's not even a month since I last wrote about how vital it was to respect the dangers of our lakes and rivers.

I reflected - from personal experience - on how inexperienced or non-swimmers needed to be aware of their limitations around water.

Sadly, it seems Monday's drowning on the Kaituna River near Okere Falls was another example of a fun day out turning to tragedy. One young man dead, two others narrowly escaping the same fate.

Initial inquiries suggest none of the three could swim. That decision to cool off in the water will be one regretted forever.

Among the horror of that day has emerged a story of people who unthinkingly put their own safety on the line to save two lives.

The two Auckland couples found themselves in the right place at the right time - the men diving into the deep water while their partners, both trained nurses, performed CPR and revived one apparently lifeless man.

In a sense, they couldn't have been better people to come across the situation.

None of them have sought the limelight. The couple that agreed to speak to the Rotorua Daily Post today are still grappling with what happened and the fact one young life was lost despite their best efforts.

Whether anyone else would have or could have done did what they did, who knows? Most of us will hope we never have to find out.

What the story has rammed home, yet again, is the importance of being able to swim.

Yes we can stay out of the water ourselves, but what if someone else needs our help?

As we report today, there are a number of opportunities around Rotorua for adults to learn to swim, including some aimed at migrants who sadly seem to be over represented in drowning statistics.

Please, take a second to consider signing up. There is nothing to lose, but so much to gain.