By Jane Luscombe
Three separate search and rescue operations have been underway today for people feared to have drowned.
It made for a grim weekend on the water and comes as new figures show a marked jump in the number of drownings last year.
Rescuers search in vain for a man caught in a rip at Titahi Bay, north of Wellington. Three friends swimming with him were rescued by boaties and surfers and rescue co-ordinator Constable Martyn Bayly, says it is a worrying time for the man's family as the search goes on.
“They’re definitely being kept in the loop. We’ve got a liason officer with them at the moment and we are looking at getting more support for them as the search continues.”
Teams of searchers spent last night and today criss-crossing the ocean and shoreline.
It is the same area where navy-trained diver Robert Hewitt survived for three days when he was lost at sea six years ago.
Further inland another search was underway along an 87 kilometre stretch of the Whanganui River after a 34-year-old man was swept away as he tried to swim across it
The river was in flood when the man went missing. The level has dropped but the water is murky, making the search harder.
Trampers are being asked to keep an eye out, just in case the man managed to get to shore.
And in Raglan, while beachgoers enjoyed the sun and surf, another hunt was underway after reports of a drifting, empty kayak.
No-one has been reported missing, but a spotter plane joined the coastguard to search the area for several hours.
Add in two deaths in the water yesterday and four people have drowned or are missing this weekend alone.
Figures due to be released tomorrow show 123 people drowned last year - 36 up on the year before.
The highest number of deaths occurred among men boating, fishing or diving and pre-school children.
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