Water Safety New Zealand may step in to review the conditions for special events after a man’s death in a Taupo swimming race.
The man was believed to be aged in his 50s and was seen struggling by a water safety team during the 2.5km Epic Swim recreation race yesterday.
Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Matt Claridge says the man’s death is not an isolated incident.
“There have been five drownings or fatalities in swims over the last four years. They’re either drownings or cardiac arrest.
“I believe Water Safety New Zealand should be reviewing this incident and providing a report to the coroner.”
Conditions on the lake were described as moderately choppy yesterday.
The 2.5km swim, for people aged 12 and older, was scheduled to begin at 1.30pm.
Epic Swim is a range of championship and recreational swims that attracts about 500 swimmers.
3 News/NZN