Questions over enforcing water safety law

A national water safety group is questioning the wisdom of not enforcing a potentially life-saving law in Northland.

The Northland Regional Council introduced a bylaw in December 2001 requiring all skippers to carry correctly fitting lifejackets for every person aboard their vessel. Skippers who repeatedly neglect to carry lifejackets are liable for a $100 fine.

However, the council has yet to enforce it and has issued no fines.

Harbour master Ian Niblock said because Northland was such a large region the council had to educate people before issuing fines.