Findings of the Coroner indicate that Jinting Guo died sometime between 19 and 23 October 2023 in the sea off Rocky Bay, Titahi Bay, Porirua. While the exact circumstances leading to his death are unknown, the Coroner noted that Mr Guo was diving alone at the time of the incident. Although it cannot be stated with certainty that a dive buddy would have prevented the tragedy, the case serves as a timely reminder of the importance of safe diving practices.
Mr Guo, originally from China, lived in New Zealand with his wife and five-year-old son. He was a student at Victoria University and had been learning to freedive recreationally in New Zealand. He enjoyed diving whenever weather, conditions, and his work schedule allowed.
Every year, an average of eight lives are lost to snorkelling, diving, and freediving incidents. Since 2010, 107 people have drowned during such underwater activities. The impact is felt across communities, with Māori accounting for 30% of these deaths, Europeans 48.6%, and people of Asian ethnicity 14%. In 2024, four New Zealanders drowned while taking part in underwater activities, three of them while freediving.
Ten-year data shows that while SCUBA-related deaths have historically been dominant, an increasing proportion of fatalities now involve freediving. The popularity of freediving has grown steadily in recent years.
“Sadly, the report released today highlights the danger of diving alone,” says Water Safety New Zealand’s Gavin Walker. “Planning, buddy systems, and clear communication are essential for anyone entering the water. With summer approaching, more Kiwis will be diving and snorkeling. Having a buddy in close contact is the vital help you will need if something goes wrong underwater.
“Of the four underwater fatalities in 2024, three occurred in situations where close buddy contact was not maintained throughout the dive. This highlights just how critical it is to always dive with someone who is actively monitoring you.”
Water Safety New Zealand strongly advises all recreational divers to:
• Always dive with a buddy, so someone is there to respond in an emergency.
• Constantly monitor each other during the dive.
Tackling the heart of drowning risk, is the Kia Maanu Kia Ora l Stay Afloat Stay Alive water survival education programme. Funding supports community-led interventions that address the underlying reasons why Māori and Asian males are disproportionately impacted by drowning.
Programmes focus on:
• Improving the skills, knowledge and decision-making of males aged 35-54.
• Initiatives that promote safe kai gathering practices – such as freediving and underwater foraging for Māori communities in the upper North Island.
• Programmes improving land-based fishing practice and water survival skills for Asian communities in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).
• Increasing community collaboration, resourcing, and support for the priority communities.
For more advice on freediving and snorkeling safety, visit: watersafetynz.org/resources/free-diving-and-snorkelling-safety
Water Safety NZ extends its condolences to Mr Guo’s family and hopes that sharing the findings of this Coroner’s report will encourage safe diving practices across New Zealand.
