Two people drown on Christmas Day in Northland

Wednesday, 25 December 2019

Former Water Safety NZ chief executive Jonty Mills talks about how to stay safe in the water over summer. (First published 17 December 2020)

Two people have drowned in separate Christmas Day incidents in Northland.

A person died following a snorkelling incident in Kai Iwi Lakes near Omamari at around 3pm today.

The person was found unresponsive in the water and taken ashore but could not be revived.

Earlier today, a person also died at Bream Bay after getting into difficulty while in the water.

Water Safety NZ chief executive Jonty Mills gives his tips for staying safe in the water. (Video first published December 2018)

Police said the body of the missing swimmer was located in the water about midday.

Police were advised at 10am that a person was in difficulty in the bay.

Police Search and Rescue, Coastguard, a rescue helicopter and local lifeguards took part in the search operation.

Bream Bay is a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and fishermen, north of the Waipu, a small town about 40km south of Whangarei.

Both deaths have been referred to the Coroner.