Boaties take safety call on board

Chance Whittaker (left), 2, Morgan Whittaker, Marley Whittaker, 5, and Gary Whittaker (back) make sure they are always safe on the water. Photo / Andrew Warner

Water safety messages seem to be sinking in for boaties around Rotorua and the wider Bay of Plenty with coastguards receiving fewer callouts, despite the growing number of people out on the water.

Rotorua Coastguard president Barry Grouby said the lakes had been packed but there had only been a few minor callouts.

"We've been called out to a few breakdowns, a pair of overdue kayakers on Lake Rotorua and an intoxicated man ... We had a bad year for drownings last year so it is pleasing to see this year shaping up to be safer.

"There is a good community spirit developing on the lakes with boaties helping each other out if they run into a bit of trouble which is great to see - we just want everybody preparing properly because even minor trouble can turn dangerous very quickly on the water."

Mr Grouby said the water safety message had not changed: be vigilant.

Whakatane Coastguard president Jim Williamson said given the number of boats out, he was surprised there had not been many callouts.

"It's been pretty quiet at our end, which is surprising given the water is full of boats. The callouts we have had have all been little stuff, a few engine failures here and there, nothing too serious."

Taupo harbourmaster Philip King said they were really pleased with the behaviour they had seen.

"The safety messages are getting through, we have seen people doing all the right things - filling out trip reports, acting responsibly on the water and wearing their lifejackets.

"The water has been very quiet and gentle so that does help but it is reassuring to see boaties taking their responsibilities seriously."

Mr King said he was confident the good behaviour would continue throughout the summer months.

Gary Whittaker, a boat owner from Broadlands, said he and his family visited Rotorua's Blue Lake frequently because it was a good place to take the children.

"It's a nice, shallow lake and the kids can walk out."

Wakeboarder Morgan Whittaker said the boat was a good way to get the kids used to the water.

"We make sure they're safe and have their life jackets on." He said the boating behaviour on the lake had been quite good from what he had seen.

"It's the best I've seen all summer. I haven't had any dramas with anyone."

- Additional reporting by Pippa Brown

Boating safety code:

* Life jackets: Take them - Wear them. Boats, especially ones under 6m in length, can sink very quickly. Wearing a life jacket increases your survival time in the water.

* Skipper responsibility: The skipper is responsible for the safety of everyone on board and for the safe operation of the boat. Stay within the limits of your vessel and your experience.

* Communications: Take two separate waterproof ways of communicating, so we can help you if you get into difficulties.

* Marine weather: New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the local marine weather forecast before you go and expect both weather and sea state changes.

* Avoid alcohol: Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change quickly on the water. You need to stay alert and aware.

- Coastguard New Zealand