Safer on lakes with simple measures

SAFE WATERS: Rotorua Harbourmaster Pererika Makiha is urging people to stay safe on the water during summer. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Nine people have drowned in Rotorua during the past five years, but Rotorua's harbourmaster says taking a few simple precautions when hitting the water will help save lives.

So far the provisional drowning toll this year stands at one for the Rotorua district, with nine recorded during the past five years. Taupo has had two drownings this year, while Whakatane and Opotiki have each had one.

Rotorua Habourmaster Pererika Makiha said the most common mistakes people were likely to make this summer were the simple ones like not servicing their vessel before heading out on the water, not letting people know where they were going and when they were due back, and not carrying the correct safety equipment on board.

Top of the list was lifejackets, and making sure there were enough for each person on board, wearing lifejackets and not drinking too much alcohol while boating.

People shouldn't be fooled by how calm and safe Rotorua's lakes might look, he said. The lakes could change at a moment's notice - and that was especially true of Lake Rotorua.

"Mokoia [Island] acts as a magnet for canoeists and kayakers and although it is an easy paddle for an experienced paddler, for an inexperienced paddler it can be quite difficult, especially if the lake conditions change."

Lakes like Tikitapu, Rotoma, Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okareka were the busiest lakes, and people there needed to be aware of the boating rules and be considerate to all lake users, including swimmers.

The period from Boxing Day to Waitangi Day was traditionally the busiest period on the lakes, especially Tikitapu, Rotoma, Okareka, Rotoiti and Tarawera.

Mr Makiha said the regional council Maritime Unit would be conducting patrols on the water during the busiest parts of the summer and focusing on education and behaviour.

Volunteer lake wardens would also be out promoting safety at boat ramps, lakeside picnic areas and beaches.

Instant $200 fines would be issued for vessels towing without an observer and failing to carry correctly fitting lifejackets for all on board. Mr Makiha said work had also been under way educating more than 900 Year 7 and 8 students on boating safety, skipper responsibility, correct boating equipment and lifejackets and their correct fit.

He said feedback had been positive.

The hope was students would pass the lessons on to their parents or people they became involved with when out on the water.

Water Safety NZ chief executive Matt Claridge said people underestimated the danger around lakes.

He said lakes could be deceptive and while the water wasn't moving as fast as at beaches and rivers, they could still be susceptible to tides and "whipped up" by the wind.

"They can present quite a volatile aquatic environment quite quickly." Hidden objects underneath also posed a problem and people should be careful jumping into the water, he added.

With plenty of waterskiers on Rotorua's lake, Mr Claridge said they should remember to follow basic rules like always having a spotter on board, being aware of other boaties and wearing lifejackets.

WATER SAFETY TIPS

- Ensure enough lifejackets, correctly fitted for all persons, are on board and wear them.

- Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back.

- Check the marine weather forecast before you head out.

- Ensure you have an observer (over 10 years old) when towing a skier, biscuit, etc.

- Observe the 5-knot rule - do not exceed 5 knots within 200 metres of shore or a structure, within 50 metres of another boat, raft or person in the water and within 200 metres of any boat or craft flying the International Code A flag (dive flag).