Latest from Water Safety

Woman's body found near river mouth

The body of a female has been recovered from Rangitata beach in the South Island.

Paddleboarder located safe and well

A paddle boarder who was believed to be missing has been located by police and is safe and sound.

13 near-misses at pools last year

Documents show there were 13 near-misses at Auckland pools recorded last year, most involving children.

Swimming to stop Pasifika drownings

Hundreds of swimmers will race in the King of the Bays event on Auckland's North Shore today, but one competitor has a special motivation for taking part.

Missing fishing boat may never be recovered

The boat of two fishermen missing from Port Waikato since Monday may never be recovered, police say.

Search continues for missing fishermen

The search for two fishermen missing at Port Waikato enters its third day today. The police Eagle helicopter will search the area near the mouth of the river.

Missing fishermen: Air search unsuccessful

The air search today for the two missing fisherman was unsuccessful, police say.

Fishing mates lost at sea

A fisherman missing with a friend after crossing the Port Waikato Bar usually stayed clear of the notoriously dangerous stretch of water.

Drowning victim's actions a 'mystery'

Those close to a drowning man who was pulled from Wellington Harbour last week say they are still mystified as to why their friend was in the water.

'It's every parent's greatest fear'

A family's last swim of their summer holiday nearly turned to tragedy when their 5-year-old daughter passed out in the sea.

Rescue boat extras a boon

A state-of-the-art $2.5 million vessel is set to make a marked difference in the way water rescues are carried out.

Burial service for brothers held today

The burial service for two brothers who drowned at a popular surf beach north of Gisborne at the weekend will be held today.

Surfer finds body at popular beach

The prayers of a grieving family were answered yesterday when a body believed to be that of missing teenager John Wakelin was found in the surf at Wainui Beach.

'I screamed, but no one came'

As Tamara Cuttriss blacked out and went under the water her last thought was: "This is it. What a waste. I haven't even lived yet."

Drowned boatie's motor too powerful

A novice boatie died in a cold Southland lake after the boat's powerful outboard motor broke free, leaving a hole in the hull.

Down the river - on an airbed?

Queenstown's harbourmaster isn't impressed after four men he advised to get off their inflatable airbed floated under bungy jumpers - and were fined.

Dad's tribute to sons who drowned

Two young men who drowned at a popular surf beach north of Gisborne on Saturday were "really neat kids", their father says.

Drowning spot needs signs

New signs should be placed around a popular swimming spot after a man drowned trying to save his son, a coroner says.