A resident of Vaimaanga in Titikaveka is calling on tourists to heed the warning signs that have been put in place for their own safety.

The urgent call follows after a 50-year-old New Zealand man was confirmed to have drowned at the lagoon – Avaavaroa passage opposite YWAM in Vaimaanga, Titikaveka on Monday afternoon.

Police media officer Trevor Pitt said the man was recovered from the water by one of the tour guides who had gone to help him.

Unfortunately he was found to be unresponsive.

He said Police were called at 4.05pm (Monday) to report someone in difficulty at the passage.

Pitt added this is another tragedy in an area that is notoriously dangerous. 

The tourist was not part of any turtle tour.

Resident Tereapii Philipa Crummer grew up in Rarotonga and said years ago the area was somewhere her parents would fish and years ago it was somewhere that her father and brother nearly drowned- but they survived.

Recalling those years and now, she said back then there were no warning signs, but people knew the passage well and knew it was not safe to go there during high tide.

“This passage is very, very dangerous, in those days there was no sign like today. But the people back then knew the passage well, when it is high tide, go back to shore.”

She said Monday was a sad day as she returned home to see an ambulance and police at the property opposite YWAM.

“I just arrived home yesterday and saw the ambulance and police on the property. They were assisting with the man who drowned, others were here and waiting for the undertaker.

“That was a very sad tragedy.”

She said: “There are signs at the beach but people, tourists seem to ignore them. It is there, people can see it, read it and don’t go swimming- the sign tells the passage is very dangerous. But they still don’t listen.”

She has called on tourists to heed the signs and local residents to advise tourists and warn them if they are seen heading to the unsafe water areas.

“It not safe to go by yourself, it is good to have a lifesaver. The sea looks beautiful, but the current is dangerous.”

She also advised on the need to have a boat stand by in such areas in case of any emergency as it would be safer than using a kayak.

“Please read the sign, it is there, don’t ignore it…” she urged.

Water Safety Council President Brent Fisher said signs have been put up all over the area and visitors have been advised not to go out without a guide.

He said the tragedy has been unfortunate.

Fisher called on the public if anyone has any ideas for water safety measures, they would be ready to take it on board.

Meanwhile, a turtle tour company, Ocean Toa Cook Islands said it was important for people to go out in those areas with experienced and qualified operators.

In a social media post, the operator said it was sad that the visitor drowned and lost their life while unaccompanied, outside of turtle operating hours and operators.

“This is sad news for us all and our deepest condolences to the Anau (Family) and those involved

Unfortunately this occurrence is a stark reminder that our waters can be deceivingly dangerous and your individual safety should never be compromised.”

Ocean Toa has advised that people must abide by the signs in the area, only go out with experienced and qualified operator and apply common sense and general water safety rules regardless if you are local or a visitor

“In our Tikanga and Akonoanga Māori we have suspended our tours today (Tuesday) as a mark of respect to the family and the loss that has occurred in our waters.”

The operator told Cook Islands News: “For us, our waters as beautiful as they are, its strength shouldn’t be underestimated. As a company akonoanga, safeguarding our people and culture is paramount, which includes paying our respects in the event of loss in our workplace.”

This was Rarotonga’s fourth drowning case.

The last drowning incident was reported in early September where a 72-year-old man was snorkelling at the Nikao Social Centre.

Another was a 52-year-old woman who tried to save her 11-year-old daughter from a strong lagoon current when she was swept out to sea near the Arorangi jetty, on January 3. The daughter survived.
And a 49-year-old woman drowned in shallow water outside the Edgewater Resort and Spa in Arorangi on June 11.

Police media officer Pitt said many of the drowning deaths over recent years have involved tourists.

Police are awaiting the medical report on the victim from Monday while investigations continue.  The completed file would then be referred to the Coroner.