27 January 2015

Warning at Rere

Coroner Tim Scott has recommended Council erect new signage with a “much stronger warning” at Rere rockslide, as reported by the New Zealand Herald yesterday.

A man drowned at the rockslide last May while attempting to help his son when he came into trouble in the bottom pool, which was calculated by police to be around 1 – 3 meters deep.

Following the tragedy Council put up new signs and after receiving the draft coroner’s report in November have been working closely with WaterSafe NZ to update the signage wording.

“Following the full coroner’s report yesterday we will be updating wording on our website and contacting the main tourism operators to also update their information for the public,” says acting parks and community property manager, Garrett Blair.

Mayor Meng Foon says Council will be taking the coroner’s recommendations very seriously.

Rere rockslide is listed in AA’s top 100 things to do in NZ and is a very popular tourist activity.

“Prior to summer, we had cleaned up the site which included cleaning out the lower pool for potential hazards,” says Mr Blair.

The coroner was noted in the Herald article to say he did not believe there was anything particularly dangerous about the rockslide.

Council advises swimmers to use care and confident swimming ability is recommended.

“There are safety messages that we want to promote around our rivers and waterways,”

“There is a degree of risk in using the rockslide, and there is potential for injury or drowning as with any waterway, it’s important that the public be aware of that.”

ENDS

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