The Old4New van, fully laden with lifejackets, will be travelling around the Northland, Auckland, Coromandel and Waikato regions on weekends and key days throughout the summer holiday period. It will be at Kerikeri New World on Friday January 15 and at the Paihia wharf next day, 7.30am to 11.30am both days.
"The summer season is a great time to get out on the water and enjoy the warmer weather with family and friends, however it's important to remember the simple safety rules amongst all of the fun," Mr Holmes said.
The five simple rules could save a life were:
1 - Take lifejackets, and wear them. Boats, especially those less than six metres, could sink very quickly, and wearing a lifejacket increased survival time in the water.
2. Take two separate waterproof ways of communicating so coastguard can help if anyone gets into difficulties.
3 - Check the local marine weather forecast before you go, and expect both weather and sea state changes.
4 - Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change quickly on the water. You need to stay alert and aware.
5 - The skipper is responsible for the safety of everyone on board, and for the safe operation of the boat. Stay within the limits of your vessel and your experience. Take a Coastguard boating education course, like day skipper, boatmaster and marine VHF radio training (www.boatingeducation.org.nz).