Safety message comes from tragedy

Bishop Thompson's cousin Rico Maaka. Photo / The Daily Post

For the first time since the death of his cousin, Rico Maaka took to the water to help launch a jet ski safety campaign.

Seventeen-year-old Bishop Thompson died after being flung from a jet ski being driven by Mr Maaka and then being struck by another jetski driven by his friend Teimana Harrison in January 2011.

Mr Maaka took to the water for the first time since the mishap yesterday to help launch a jet ski safety campaign run by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and even had a whirl on one of the machines with guidance from Rotorua Lakes maritime officer Ross Powell.

Mr Maaka said he wanted to be part of the water safety message.

"I was part of the tragedy at Okareka and I would like to put out a strong message to say when around water, be safe. The road to recovery with the death of my cousin was pretty hard ... but it was good to have the support of my family to help me get along."

Bishop's aunty and family spokeswoman Myra Iraia said they all thought the jet ski safety campaign was a "brilliant idea", but they wish it had been around earlier.

"It's good to see that from the tragedy that's happened to us as a family, somebody is actually taking steps and measures to make sure it doesn't happen to someone else.

"We're rapt that it's being taken seriously and we're rapt to be invited to take part in this launch."

Ms Iraia said the family was also "very proud" of Mr Maaka for taking part in the campaign and said Teimana Harrison would also have been there if he wasn't in England.

Mr Powell said it was great the regional council had decided to take a proactive approach rather than being reactive.

"Our job as the maritime unit is to educate before we regulate. Our population is growing, but we haven't got any more water. It's becoming more congested and we run the risk of having more near misses and accidents, and in the worst case, fatalities."

He said the maritime unit could not force people to wear life jackets but they recommended wearing them.

"We want people to enjoy our waters, but do it safely. For those that don't do it safely, we will be jumping on them.

"They're not just exposing themselves to danger, but your friends and your family - that's not fair on anyone."