The Police National Dive Squad is urging everyone to be safety conscious in, on and under the water.

As summer temperatures are making our beaches, rivers and lakes more inviting, a focus on safety is paramount and ensures a life time of water-related fun, says Senior Sergeant Bruce Adams.

Police Dive Squad members and the Waihi Beach Coastguard search for missing man Peato Samele Ilalio at Kauri Point Wharf.

"Our message to all water sports enthusiasts this summer is to think about safety before getting in the water. Be prepared and keep an eye on the weather and water conditions.

'If the conditions are unfavourable, put your gear away and have a break.”

This message follows statistics released by Water Safety NZ showing 81 people lost their lives from drowning last year.

'We all need to take time to consider all activities around water this coming festive season, even if it is just ensuring we are actively watching and supervising those in the water,” says Bruce.

This message extends to those diving this summer, he says.

Four people lost their lives from complications while snorkelling, scuba diving or free diving in 2013.

'It is often a series of events or poor decision making that can lead to drowning. The onus is on the divers themselves to recognise, maintain or manage these issues to ensure a safe experience.”

Factors including limited air supply, exceeding safe ascent rates, ill-fitting equipment, and diving without a buddy can have fatal consequences.

'When such factors occur on their own they can often be dealt with by the diver. However when faced with a combination of these, the diver is placed under enormous stress and may begin to panic.

'Panic reduces the diver's cognitive ability to work through the situation. The situation can begin to escalate beyond control and may not be dealt with successfully.”

Bruce says to make sure equipment is appropriate for the activity taking place; that everyone is familiar with how the equipment operates, and wears a life jacket where applicable.

'Planning can ensure that you won't get caught out.”

Since Christmas, the Police National Dive Squad has recovered five bodies from New Zealand waters.

This includes 40-year-old fisherman Peato Samele Ilalio who drowned off Kauri Point Wharf, near Katikati earlier this month, and recreational diver 42-year-old Blair Kiddle.

Water Safety New Zealand CEO Matt Claridge says all New Zealanders need to make water safety a priority.

"A huge amount of work is being done to drive attitudinal and behavioural change when it comes to water safety. We need everyone to always remember the basics and take the necessary precautions if we're to reduce our drowning toll for good."

Important water safety tips:

• Always wear a lifejacket

• Keep children within sight and reach around water

• Monitor the weather and water

• Know how to use your marine radio and how to call for help if you need it

• Call for help at the first sign of trouble

• Check for hidden objects before jumping or diving

• Avoid alcohol.

Tips for divers:

• Seek formal training

• Ensure you are medically fit

• Get your gear checked regularly (including regulators and buoyancy compensator devices) • Make sure your gear fits correctly

• Dive with a buddy and stay together

• Take turns following each other and carrying the catch bag

• Check your air supply

• Do not exceed safe ascent rates

• Set up equipment correctly

• Do pre dive equipment checks with your buddy, no matter how experienced you are

• Make sure you are aware of other water users in your area

• Do not exceed your personal diving capabilities.

Further water safety and diving advice can be found at www.nzu.org.nz; or www.divenewzealand.com