'Idiot' boaties to be sent packing

Errant boaties taking to the water without lifejackets and in unsafe boats have been warned they will be sent packing by water police.

On top of that they are likely to be charged and face a hefty fine.

Senior Sergeant Martin Paget, of the police maritime unit based at the Auckland waterfront, says that although the water safety message appears to be getting through, there are still "idiots" who put to sea without lifejackets or radios and in unsafe boats.

Boats are required to have a lifejacket for every person on board.

This summer the police are likely to have nearly 15 boats on the water to police the America's Cup courses and the thousands of spectator boats likely to be out on the Hauraki Gulf.

Mr Paget said that while boats and boat engines were more reliable than in the past, boaties still needed to take basic safety precautions. "The only thing that hasn't improved dramatically is that the vast majority of people still don't have any formal marine training."

Mr Paget said boats were constantly checked for lifejackets and safety gear.

"If dad is out there with mum and the kids in really difficult conditions and does not have lifejackets, we will charge him with causing unnecessary risks."

Mr Paget said that as well as issuing a ticket, the police would escort the boat home.

He said many boats had not bothered to carry lifejackets until the rules were changed to force them to.

He urged boat owners to carry a VHF radio and listen to channel 18, which broadcasts race updates from the America's Cup. All emergencies should be sent on channel 16, the international distress channel.

- NZPA

Further reading
nzherald.co.nz/marine