Key Takeaways
- A person was pulled from the water at the Poripori water hole on Saturday and died at the scene despite CPR being administered.
- The death has been referred to the coroner, and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council will be guided by any recommendations made.
- The Poripori water hole is a natural swimming spot with several hazards, including submerged rocks, fast-flowing currents, and slippery surfaces.
- Water Safety New Zealand emphasizes that rivers are one of the deadliest environments for drowning in New Zealand, and that swimming in rivers can be dangerous due to cold water, strong currents, and hidden obstacles.
- The organization provides advice on how to stay safe while swimming in rivers, including being aware of the water temperature, currents, and potential hazards.
Introduction to the Incident
On Saturday, a tragic incident occurred at the Poripori water hole, a popular natural swimming spot in the Western Bay of Plenty. At around 2:55 pm, emergency services were called to the location after a person was pulled from the water. Despite attempts to administer CPR, the person sadly died at the scene. The police have referred the death to the coroner, and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council has stated that it will be guided by any recommendations made.
Witness Account and Emergency Response
A witness who was planning to take their three young daughters for a swim at the Poripori water hole arrived at the carpark to find an ambulance and other emergency services already on the scene. The witness described the atmosphere as quiet and somber, with a sense of common sadness among those present. The swimmers were evacuated from the water hole, and the area was cordoned off. The Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s reserves and facilities manager, Peter Watson, stated that the council was not involved in the emergency response, as that was not its role.
Safety Concerns and Hazards
The Poripori water hole is a natural swimming spot with several hazards, including submerged rocks, fast-flowing currents, and slippery surfaces. There are several signs in the area warning of drowning risks due to water flows increasing from releases of the Lake McLaren dam upstream. However, a Contact Energy spokesperson stated that there was no release from the dam on Saturday, only on Sunday as scheduled. Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon emphasized that rivers remain one of New Zealand’s deadliest environments for drowning, and that swimming in rivers can be dangerous due to cold water, strong currents, and hidden obstacles.
Prevention and Education
Scanlon stated that in almost every incident, drowning in New Zealand can be prevented, but that this cannot be achieved by signage alone. Water Safety New Zealand provides advice on how to stay safe while swimming in rivers, including being aware of the water temperature, currents, and potential hazards. The organization’s water safety code focuses on the critical decisions people need to make to stay safe, and can be found on their website. By educating the public about the risks and hazards associated with swimming in rivers, Water Safety New Zealand aims to reduce the number of drowning incidents in New Zealand.
Conclusion and Future Actions
The death at the Poripori water hole is a tragic reminder of the importance of water safety and the need for caution when swimming in natural environments. The Western Bay of Plenty District Council will be guided by any recommendations made by the coroner, and Water Safety New Zealand will continue to educate the public about the risks and hazards associated with swimming in rivers. By working together, we can reduce the number of drowning incidents in New Zealand and make our waterways safer for everyone. As Ayla Yeoman, a journalist based in Tauranga, notes, it is essential to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions when swimming in natural environments, especially in areas with strong currents and hidden obstacles.
