Divers are being warned not to cut corners on safety this Christmas just to get kai on the table

The Police National Dive Squad says spring weather's been pretty average so most people haven't been able to do their usual hunting and collecting.

Senior Sergeant Bruce Adams says fatalities occur if people feel they have to go out on the water, even if conditions are bad.

He says it goes back to that old saying - if in doubt, don't go out.

Sergeant Adams says people shouldn't feel pressure to get something to put on the Christmas table.

He says New Year's Eve is coming up and the weather will come right at some stage.