Tonga police are urging the public to be cautious around waterways this holiday season.
Deputy Commissioner Pelenatita Fe’ao Vaisuai says being safety conscious takes a little time but ensures a life time of fun in, on or under the water.
Vaisuai issued the statement as police investigate two drowning cases reported this week.
A nine year old boy, who was swimming with a group of people at the causeway between Tu’anekivale and Holeva in Vava’u died on Wednesday.
Police say the child’s body was taken to Ngu Hospital where doctors was confirmed a case of drowning.
In another incident Sunia Koluse, 35 of Te’ekiu died from drowning on the same afternoon.
Koluse was at Fotua Beach near Kala’au Village with the youth group from the Te’ekiu Mormon Church.
The youths were attending their end of year camp when the incident occurred.
Police say Sunia Koluse jumped into the water when he noticed a 13 year old boy was being sucked into a hole in the fringing reef, about 80-100 meters from land.
Koluse managed to get hold of the boy and tried to get them back over the reef.
However, Police say the current was too strong and they crashed onto the reef rocks and Koluse lost his grip on the boy.
Another 36 year old man who as at the beach saw what had happened and swam out to assist them.
The current was very strong and they were swept out to the open water.
A call for assistance was relayed to the Nukunuku District
Police and a local boat was dispatched to the scene.
Police and a rescue party rescued the 13 year old boy and the 36 year old man and recovered Koluse’s body which was floating in the water.
Police are trying to complete their inquiries as well as awaiting a report from the Doctor, in order to arrange for an inquest.
Police have also thanked Steve Burling and his two friends from Ha’atafu for their assistance during the rescue and recovery of the deceased body.