A 20-year-old Indian aviation student from New Delhi has been named as the victim of a recent drowning incident at the popular Maraetotara Falls in Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand on the evening of December 21st.
The police said Aman Kumar from Hastings who had arrived in New Zealand over a year ago was swimming along with five other students when he dived into the water and never surfaced. 
Emergency services were informed of his disappearance at about 5:30 pm, but they could not locate the missing swimmer and the search was subsequently suspended by nightfall.
Picture for representation only Source: Facebook
The rescue operation was then taken over by the Police National Dive Squad from Wellington. Mr Kumar's body was finally recovered the following day.
Maraetotara Falls is a hugely popular summer swimming spot for locals and visitors alike, not far away from the coastal city of Napier.
Meanwhile, Delhi-based Vijay Kaul who is reportedly related to Mr Kumar’s family has appealed to India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Twitter to assist his family, based in Delhi, in bringing their son’s body back to India at the earliest.
Aman was taking advanced flying training in New Zealand, wrote Mr Kaul.
The incident is just one of many drowning mishaps involving Indian migrants in the month of December.
At least six Indian-origin migrants have died in the past 28 days in waterways across Australia, sparking renewed calls for awareness of beach safety conditions across the country.
Surf Life Saving Australia has issued a fresh warning on its Facebook page, reminding people to swim at patrolled beaches and between the flags.
Here are some tips for keeping safe in or on waterways:
- At the beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags
- Read and observe the safety signs
- Ask a lifesaver/lifeguard for safety advice
- Always swim with someone else and look out for each other
- Always supervise children around the water
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Learn how to identify a rip
- If you need help, stay calm and attract attention
- Always wear a lifejacket while boating or rock-fishing
- If witnessing an in-water emergency, call Triple Zero (000)
For information on Beach conditions or to find a patrolled beach near you, check out the or download the .
