Police help boaties check their gear before heading out on to the water. Photo / Supplied
Police help boaties check their gear before heading out on to the water. Photo / Supplied
Agencies gathered at boat ramps in the Western Bay of Plenty today, offering pleasure-craft boaties information on water safety and local regulations.
Western Bay of Plenty Search and Rescue co-ordinator, Sergeant Craig Madden, says the day was organised due to the high number of fatal marine incidents in the past couple of years.
Labour Weekend is considered by many as the unofficial start of the summer holiday season.
Tauranga and Maketu Coastguards, Police Search and Rescue, the Harbour Master, and the Ministry for Primary Industries were out talking to boaties at several boat ramps in the area to raise awareness of the potential dangers of our seas.
Sergeant Madden says the Western Bay of Plenty has a big influx of holidaymakers, and a large number of them are boaties.
"A number of deaths in and on our waters would have been preventable if a higher level of safety was adhered to.
"All boaties should have at least two different methods of communication with them, and if one is a cellphone it should be in a water-tight package. A snap-lock bag is ideal, and you can still use it while it's in the bag," Sergeant Madden says.
Harbour Master Peter Buell says preparedness is important.
Kapok life jackets – the older-style life jackets that go over the head – are unsafe, and need to be replaced with a more modern alternative.
Jet skis should be registered. Safety information and advice is freely available from the Harbour Master and Coastguard for new and visiting boaties and water-users.
"While on the water you need two forms of communication, because if you can't be heard you can't be helped," Buell said.
Police help boaties check their gear before heading out on to the water. Photo / Supplied
Simon Baker of Tauranga Coastguard says we all want to see boaties go out and have an enjoyable time on the water, and come home safe at the end of the day.
"We want to remind skippers that when crossing a bar, it's the skipper's responsibility to ensure all passengers wear a life jacket, and it's advisable to log a report with Coastguard before and after crossing the bar.
"Also, lifejackets must be in good condition, fit for purpose, and correctly fitted. They can often be your last chance of survival if the worst happens," Baker says.
Boaties are reminded that Coastguard is an organisation run by volunteers and relies on memberships and donations to exist. Members that need assistance on the water receive it for free, whereas non-members are charged a fee.
MPI Fisheries Officers were also reminding fishers of their catch limits and minimum sizes. If members of the public see any non-compliance they're asked to call 0800 4POACHER (0800 476 224).
