Drinking boaties prompt call for new rules

Every day during summer, people on Rotorua lakes are found drinking and boating, prompting authorities to call for restrictions.
There are no restrictions against drinking and driving a boat but Bay of Plenty regional Harbourmaster Carl Magazinovic said laws against drinking and boating would cause a decrease in water accidents.
Mr Magazinovic said although actual figures weren't recorded, "a couple of people" a day were caught drinking and boating during summer in Rotorua.
"We do see it often and there are problems caused by it in the same way as on the roads," he said.
"In Australia there are drinking and boating rules and I think it would be positive to restrict the use of alcohol on boats in New Zealand."
He said there could be similar limits to those on car drivers.
"It would have to be on a national level, there is no way it would just work regionally."
Current laws in Australia state it is an offence to operate a vessel, including a boat or jet ski, while affected by alcohol or drugs.
Detective Sergeant John Wilson of the Rotorua police agreed drinking and boating was a bad combination.
Mr Wilson also heads the Rotorua search and rescue squad and said restrictions on drinking and boating could lead to a drop in water rescues.
"It is a big issue in Rotorua.
"It is shocking because people don't realise that boating is one of the most dangerous recreations in New Zealand."
Mr Wilson said that during summer, spending time in Rotorua's lakes could be as dangerous as playing in the middle of the motorway.
"If people do something stupid it is most likely because alcohol or drugs is involved," he said.
"Your judgment is impaired if you are under the influence of alcohol and I do see it as an anomaly that there are no restrictions."
Rotorua MP Todd McClay said he was open to discussing concerns regarding drinking and boating.
"Alcohol in any vehicle is a bad idea," he said.
"It would be important to gauge the scale of the problem but it could be something that needs to be looked at.
"It also comes down to personal responsibility and common sense. As the driver of any vehicle you have to be responsible for the people with you."
Hamills Rotorua manager and boatie Darryn Simpson agreed driving any vehicle under the influence of alcohol had the potential to be dangerous.
Mr Simpson said he had never seen any alcohol-related incidents on Rotorua's lakes but personal responsibility was key.
"There is a difference between drinking and being drunk," he said.
"But if there is evidence of accidents being caused by alcohol then it is definitely worth looking at."