There was a deadly start to the New Year for outdoor recreational activities, with four men losing their lives while fishing, another missing and a fatal jetboat crash.
While acknowledging that most outdoor recreational activities involve some risk, organisations are re-emphasising the safety message.
The of Jetboating New Zealand president Garth McMaster says the organisation is strict on safety and has a very good record, but there's some danger in most outdoor activities, from fishing and boating to tramping.
Outdoors New Zealand former chief executive Paul Chaplow said some people are very good with safety preparations while others are dangerously casual.
He said one of the key factors in outdoor safety is taking careful notice of the changeable weather.
