Update: 30.12.15
The names of two Chinese visitors who drowned at Ruapuke Beach near Raglan on Christmas day have been released.
Police said they were Xia Lui, 38, and Ji Shun Li, 33. Both were living in Hamilton on work visas working on an engineering project.
Sergeant Craig Lindstrom said police had been working with various parties, including the Chinese consulate in Auckland, to return the bodies home.
Police National Dive Squad members are currently liaising with Waikato Police district after a tragic day on the water which included drownings at Rupauke Beach south west of Raglan.
Police said a woman in her 40s was dead and another person was pulled from the water.
A third person, a 33-year-old man, was initially reported missing. His body was found by a Raglan Volunteer Coastguard vessel about 6.40pm.
Hugh Davison from St John Ambulance reported two people had drowned and one person had been flown at about 5.30pm to Waikato Hospital via Westpac Air Ambulance on Christmas Day. The three are part of a group working in Hamilton on an engineering project. It was reported that the three people had been caught in strong rip currents while swimming.
Raglan Surf Lifesavers, Volunteer Coastguard, St John Ambulance and Police all took part in the incident.
The police will be investigating the deaths on behalf of the coroner. Officers said the background to the incident was at first “uncertain due to language difficulties”.
Senior Sergeant Bruce Adams from the Police National Dive Squad says “Christmas day has turned to tragedy after two people have died and another has been flown to hospital in a serious condition at Ruapuke Beach near Raglan.”
These events are devastating for all involved and our thoughts go to family and friends, and those working to resolve them.
With the great weather over the country, and the desire to get out on and in the water, Police plea with the public to take care.
Please actively monitor those with you and stay in arms length of children at all times.
People need to keep an eye on conditions and changes in water and weather and need to stay well within their abilities, treat the water with respect and caution and avoid alcohol.
“Our beaches, rivers and lakes become more inviting as the holiday period and summer temperatures approach, but we urge everyone to be cautious before taking the plunge.
Being safety conscious takes a little time but it’s worth it.
These are avoidable tragedies, they are not accidents”, he says.
To avoid these tragedies from occurring we all need to take time to consider all activities around water this coming festive season.
Make sure your equipment and water toys are appropriate for the activity taking place, that you are familiar with how they operate and remember that if all else fails you can save yourself by ensuring your swimming ability is right for the conditions or you are wearing a life jacket.