Authorities are urging parents to stay within arm's reach of their children around water after two toddlers drowned in separate incidents.
A 23-month-old girl drowned in her parents' swimming pool in Marton about 2.15pm on Sunday.
Soon afterwards it was reported a 4-year-old boy had drowned after being swept down the Whakatane River at Ruatoki.
Relatives of both children tried desperately to resuscitate them but were not successful.
Police would not release names of either child last night.
An officer in Marton said the situation was "too raw" for the little girl's parents and no further information could be released.
He confirmed the in-ground pool was "well fenced" but would not reveal the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
Police in Ruatoki said wider members of the 4-year-old's family were still to be told of his death and they would not comment further before then.
Water Safety New Zealand spokesman Matt Claridge said the children's deaths were particularly tragic.
He did not know all the details but urged parents to keep a close watch around the water.
"Small children should be supervised at all times.
That means parents or caregivers are within reach and able to give assistance if needed," he said.
"Ideally, parents will be in the water with the child.
They'll also have more fun that way.
And, if they are in the water with the child, there is less opportunity to be distracted."
Mr Claridge said the children's deaths took the total number of drownings for the holiday period - which ends at 6am tomorrow - to seven.
"Often we will track at a drowning a day through the holiday period, about half the number of deaths as the road toll," he said.
"We had 10 last year and normally average around eight."
Mr Claridge said adults also needed to be careful in the water.
"Swimmers need to stay between the flags or at least swim in safe spots.
"If you are diving you should not exceed the depth you are comfortable with and dive with a buddy.
"It's fairly sensible advice but it's important."
He said boaties needed to ensure all passengers wore life jackets and weather forecasts were checked before going out on the water.
"Have the guts to say: `No, I'm not going out'," he said
