Marine weather app could save lives

FISHERMAN'S FRIEND: A new marine weather app can help predict conditions for those heading out fishing or just having some summer fun on the water.

A new MetService Marine weather app designed for boaties and swimmers is hoped to encourage water safety.

It comes just after Masterton teen Jesse Barber drowned in the Ruamahanga River on Monday and Upper Hutt man Uikilifi Peniamina went missing after he was knocked overboard into rough waters on Sunday.

Mr Peniamina was not wearing a life jacket and has not yet been found.

Five men have drowned during the official holiday drowning toll period, the same as last year but below the five-year average of nine for this period. Four of them drowned while fishing or gathering seafood.

Maritime New Zealand's latest research shows that men aged 40 plus are the least likely to 'zip up' on the water.

The free app, developed by MetService and Maritime NZ, features recreational and coastal marine forecasts, tides, severe weather warnings, rain radar and isobar map imagery, as well as links to vital boating safety information.

It will be a very effective way to build awareness of the importance of wearing - and not just carrying - a life jacket, said Pania Shingleton, Maritime NZ's manager education and communications.

Matt Claridge, CEO of Water Safety New Zealand, said Kiwis need to look after one another around water. "We need to remind each other when we're heading out boating or fishing off rocks - wear a lifejacket, watch the weather, don't drink alcohol and let others know where you're going."