Boaties asked to stay with vessels when in difficulty

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Boaties were asked to check their vessels are fit for the water and to stay with them when in difficulty, following a rescue on the Waikato River.

Hamilton police Senior Sergeant Andy Bu Bear said police and the fire service were called to the river just after 11am yesterday, after receiving calls from the public about a man in difficulty in the water.

"It turned out a man had been out on a wooden dingy with his two children when his outboard motor stopped.

"Dropping his anchor to hold the boat in place, the man has tried to then swim a rope to shore to bring the boat and his children ashore but has got into difficulty and was reported by members of the public calling 111 to be crying out for help in the water."

Mr Bu Bear said when the man realised he was in difficulty he was unable to get back into the boat because of the current.

Luckily, fire fighters were able to throw him a life preserver.

The Hamilton Police rescue boat was deployed, which brought the dingy and the children to shore.

Both children were wearing life jackets, but their father was not, Mr Bu Bear said.

"On reflection it would have been better for him to have called 111 and reported his boat being in difficulty and remained in the vessel instead of putting himself at risk.

"With the weather improving and the onset of daylight saving this incident could be a good catalyst to encourage boat owners to ensure their vessels are in good condition before heading out on the water."

Coastguard education spokeswoman Heather Murray said it was great the man had a phone with him, but two forms of communication were recommended - including a VHF radio which can be heard by more than one person when used.

"If you get into difficulty call for help on VHF radio or mobile phone and wait in the boat, only enter the water as a last resort," Ms Murray said.

"It's fantastic the children were wearing life jackets, but he had one too - but wasn't wearing it."

Parents should set a good example for their children by wearing a life jackets and taking a secondary form of propulsion such as paddles for when unforeseeable engine problems arise, she said.