Deep dive on safety

Divers preparing for trips to coastal spots such as Goat Island and Anchor Bay in Tawharanui Regional Park are being urged to speak with their GP about their fitness before heading off – especially divers over 45.

This followed a report from coroner Rachael Schmidt-McCleave, released on November 13 last year, into the death of diver Gideon Te Ahuru, which made recommendations to reduce the chances of future diving deaths.

These include:
• Divers should check the test date on their cylinders and get it tested before using it if it is out-of-date
• Diving equipment should be regularly serviced, at least annually and divers should not dive with equipment that is faulty or suspected of being faulty
• Always monitor air supply and end a dive when there is 50 bar remaining

Water Safety NZ (WSNZ) endorsed the coroner’s recommendation for regular medical assessments [and that] all divers aged over 45 should speak with their GP about their diving fitness at least once a year.

WSNZ Kaihautu Maori Rob Hewitt said Gideon’s diving trip at Eastbourne’s Barrett’s Reef (just south of Lower Hutt) was a preventable tragedy.

“When males overestimate their abilities in the water, it’s likely they won’t return home to the people who love them,” he said.

“My heart goes out to the whanau and everyone who loved this man. The fact is, Maori men, Pasifika men, men of all shapes and sizes, when we get to a certain age, we can be defensive and overconfident about our ability in the water.

“Even with three decades of diving experience, Gideon was not fit to dive. A heavy haul of kina and an existing medical condition contributed to him struggling in the water and not prioritising the sort of safety precautions essential for every dive trip.”

WSNZ strongly advised all recreational divers to always dive with a buddy, so someone was there to respond in an emergency, and to constantly monitor each other during the dive.

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Reducing drowning risk

Water Safety NZ’s Kia Maanu Kia Ora l Stay Afloat Stay Alive water survival education programme targets drowning risks.

Funding supports community-led interventions that address the underlying reasons why Maori and Asian males are disproportionately impacted by drowning.

Programmes focus on:
• Improving the skills, knowledge and decision-making of males aged 35-54
• Initiatives that promote safe kai gathering practices – such as freediving and underwater foraging for Maori communities in the upper North Island
• Programmes improving land-based fishing practice and water survival skills for Asian communities in Auckland
• Increasing community collaboration, resourcing, and support for the priority communities.