We are very sad to report that the death toll for water related incidents has risen by two, a number that is now 180 percent higher than the five year average. On Tuesday we reported that a child had died at Kai Iwi lakes and a woman drowned at Wenderholm Regional Park, which you can read here.

There have now been at least 30 water-related deaths since the beginning of December, with two months left of the summer period - including a man today who died after sustaining critical injuries when a boat upturned in Pauanui yesterday, and another man who died at Mt Maunganui today after a group of four swimmers got into difficulty.

Six deaths at rivers accounted for 43 per cent of drownings over the holiday period. Half of those were aged 25-34.

A common theme in these tragic incidents, is people underestimating the conditions and overestimating their ability in the water,' according Water Safety NZ chief executive Daniel Gerrard.

• Check the conditions
• Do you know how to spot a rip? Learn more HERE
• Keep an ACTIVE eye on small children near bodies of water
• Take a buddy with you when you go swimming
• When boating, ensure you have TWO methods of waterproof communication devices, in case you get into trouble.
• Swim between the flags

Education will help keep yourself and others safe from harm. You can learn more about water safety HERE.