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Kai Iwi Lakes are a vacation hotspot offering white sand and freshwater swimming. (File photo)
The mayor of Kaipara offered his condolences after the drowning of a child at Kai Iwi Lakes in Northland on Tuesday afternoon.
Paramedics were unable to revive the child after they lifted him out of the water.
Police said a rescue helicopter was dispatched to the scene shortly after 2 p.m. and the child was found unconscious.
Viv Trounson / Supplied
Kai Iwi Lakes, where a child drowned on Tuesday, have been very popular this summer vacation, with up to 2,000 people visiting each day.
“Despite the best efforts of members of the public and then paramedics performing CPR, the child sadly passed away,” a police spokesperson said.
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The death will be referred to the coroner.
Denise Piper / Stuff
Kaipara Mayor Dr Jason Smith said the drowning at Kai Iwi Lakes is a very sad tragedy. (File photo)
The lakes are a popular tourist destination but are slightly out of the way, about a 30-minute drive north of Dargaville.
The Kaipara District Council manages two campgrounds and the reserve around the three lakes – Lake Taharoa, Lake Kaiiwi, and Lake Waikere.
Mayor Dr Jason Smith said the location was very popular this summer with campgrounds full and up to 2,000 people visiting each day.
The drowning was very tragic, with council staff also trying to do whatever they could, he said.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of this youngster. I am very sad, ”Smith said.
“At this point, I don’t have the details of whether this tragic accident was with a camping person or a one-day visitor, who can come from anywhere because the lakes are so beautiful, so rare. and specials. ”
The death comes on top of a summer where there have now been 23 confirmed drownings since early December, including one who drowned in Wenderholm, north of Auckland, also on Tuesday.
Smith said New Zealand’s “appalling” drowning rate was shocking.
“Water safety is of great importance to everyone, and it is the center of attention this time of year and with tragic events like this.”
