A British woman made headlines this week after falling from a cruise ship - and it's raised concerns in New Zealand, with record numbers of Kiwis now taking cruise ship holidays.
Kay Longstaff, 46, was on board the Norwegian Star cruise ship bound for Venice on Saturday night (local time) when, approximately 100km off the coast of Croatia, she fell from the ship's back deck into the water.
Ms Longstaff was found 1.3km away from the spot she fell in, Croatian media reported, after surviving 10 hours lost in the Adriatic Sea. Her disappearance seemed to go unnoticed for some time, as the ship did not raise the alarm until the next morning.
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Warm summer seas and minimal wind have been credited to Ms Longstaff's survival. She told local news channel HRT her endurance also came down to being fit from yoga and singing, telling the news agency she's "lucky to be alive".
Ms Longstaff may have had luck on her side falling into warmer waters, but it would still have been traumatic being forced to stay afloat alone in the middle of the ocean.
And with nearly 100,000 New Zealanders taking to the oceans for cruise ship holidays last year, it's important Kiwis know what to do in similar circumstances. In fact, there are over 100 new cruise ships scheduled to be delivered globally between now and 2027.
Here's what you should know if you're going to be on one.
Learn to float on your back
If your next holiday's going to be on a cruise ship, however unlikely it is that you might fall from the deck, Water Safety New Zealand recommends learning how to float on your back so that you can float and relax which will "greatly improve your chances of rescue and survival".
"Floating is a crucial water safety skill that must be learnt and can save your life. It is taught as part of Water Skills for Life our aquatic education initiative for five to 13-year-olds we would like to see in every New Zealand primary school," Water Safety NZ CEO Jonty Mills told Newshub.
Water Safety New Zealand, Swimming New Zealand and The Warehouse are working to address a lag in vital water safety skills in New Zealand primary school children.
Do your best not to panic
Ms Longstaff was fortunate to have fallen into reasonably warm waters, so if you fall off a cruise ship into freezing waters, Ms Mills says it's crucial to overcome the initial shock of the temperature.
You'll want to remain as calm as possible, because that way you won't burn precious energy needed to stay afloat.
Panic can lead to people gasping for air and swallowing water, which can lead to drowning. You need to "remain calm, let the initial cold water shock pass, and then float on your back on the surface and relax," says Mr Mills.
Take up the HELP position
"Chances are, if you are on the deck of a cruise ship you will not be wearing a lifejacket, but if it is an emergency situation and you are about to enter the water, you need to remember the HELP (The Heat Escape Lessening Position) position. Hold arms tight against the chest, press thighs close together and raise up the knees and bob on the water's surface."
If you find yourself alone at sea, remember to arch your back slightly, lift your chest, lift your stomach, and bend your knees and let your legs dangle, Water Safety NZ advises.
"You will need to kick your legs and move your hands when necessary and make small adjustments to stay balanced and afloat," says Mr Mills. "The key is to stay as still as possible and conserve energy."
Newshub.
