To my horror, it started to malfunction in the water, well above its 5m depth rating! Sea water got into it. I returned to shore as soon as I realised but the damage was done. When saltwater gets inside a digital camera it is basically dead.
I researched options for a replacement and chose the W80s successor - a Pentax Optio W90. It is rated to 6 meters and a waterproof case will be available rated to 40 meters. I have read a couple of user reports that this camera has leaked while snorkelling too, so caution is in order using it underwater.
Used in a kitecam rig, the camera does not tend to get very wet. It might get splashed if you crash your kite, but it doesn't really get immersed.
I read the manual carefully. Pentax recommends "replacing the packing" regularly. I contacted the local Pentax service agent and they recommend getting the camera pressure tested annually - if they find any leak they replace the packing (waterproof seal on housing flap).
Now I just need some wind to test it out.
