More people are taking the plunge and learning how to dive in New Zealand, with schools across the country fully booked due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
While Kiwis searching for a new hobby have led to a nice surprise for instructors, it’s also leaving police feeling uneasy about water safety.
Todd Russell got into trouble last year, spending four hours in the Cook Strait after being swept out to sea and separated from his friends.
He told 1 NEWS he’s lucky to be alive.
“There was definite moments of wondering whether or not I was going to be able to get through the next five minutes,” Russell said.
“Without good gear I would've died for sure.”
Last year, 11 people weren’t as lucky as Russell and died while diving - almost double the normal yearly average.
Police say there are some simple things to check before going out that could save lives such as always diving with a buddy, always examining gear beforehand, always checking the weather and avoiding alcohol the night before and day of the dive.
And if you haven't dived in a while, Senior Sergeant Bruce Adams of the Police National Dive Squad said the advice is to take a refresher course and check your fitness.
It’s a message Russell wants others to hear too.
“No matter how well planned your day is, something can always go wrong.”
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