Bit of fun underlines serious message

The Safer Boating Forum’s annual Safer Boating Week kicked off with its traditional wharf jump in Wellington and Auckland on Friday. Photos: Safer Boating Forum

The Safer Boating Forum's week-long annual boating safety initiative has gotten off to a flying start.

The forum's 2017 Safer Boating Week kicked off on Friday with its traditional wharf jump in Wellington and Auckland to highlight the tragedy of people who die in recreational boating accidents.

Maritime New Zealand deputy director and forum chair Lindsay Sturt says this year the first people to jump into the water carried their lifejackets, as opposed to wearing them.

‘Always wear lifejackets' is the forum's message because at least two-thirds of recreational boating deaths could be prevented if people wore lifejackets.

'They had to hold onto their lifejackets when they hit the water and then tried to put them on. This is surprisingly difficult to do.

'Most councils' bylaws require lifejackets to be worn. It is just common sense. Most accidents occur suddenly with no warning. When that happens it is too late to try to find and put on a lifejacket.”

As part of Safer Boating Week, the forum has released three new safer boating videos and a new safety guide today.

Lindsay says the short video 'Prep your boat” explains simple, good practice that boaties can use to get their boat ready before they go on the water.

The short video will be followed by two more, 'Check your gear” and 'Know the rules”, which will be released on Monday and Wednesday of next week.

Safer Boating Week occurs the week before Labour Day weekend which is the traditional start of recreational boating across much of New Zealand.

'The aim is to encourage boaties to take simple steps before getting back on the water: Prep your boat, Check your Gear, Know the rules.

'If you are on the water when you discover a problem with your boat or equipment, or that you do not know an important safety rule, then it is too late and people are in danger.”

The Safer Boating Forum was established in 2000 and aims to reduce boating injuries and fatalities, and improve boat safety behaviour across New Zealand

The forum coordinates and implement recreational boating safety initiatives and is made up of central and local government agencies, water safety and recreational boating organisations, and the marine industry.

Maritime NZ chairs the forum and members include Coastguard, Jet Boating NZ, Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers, local and central government, NZ Fishing News, NZ Jet Sports Boating Association, NZ Marine Industry Association, NZ Underwater Association, Surf Lifesaving NZ, Waka Ama NZ, Water Safety NZ, WaterSafe Auckland, White Water NZ, and Yachting NZ.

PREP, CHECK, KNOW:

  • Prep - service the engine, check and change the fuel, check the battery and just generally give the boat a good onceover.
  • Check - make sure your lifejackets are still fit for purpose and you have enough. Service any inflatable lifejackets and ensure you have two reliable forms of communication equipment.
  • Know - ensure you know the 'rules of the road” on the water, and check your local bylaws to make sure you understand what the requirements are in your area.

Safer Boating Week runs from October 14-21. For more information visit: saferboating.org.nz

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1 comment

very responsible

Posted on 15-10-2016 11:24 | By CC8

so a policeman sets the example, in he goes boots and all, but without any lifejacket, or other bouyancy . What has Water Safety NZ told us for years ? The biggest cause of drownings ... after alcohol.....is swimming/entering water fully clothed especially in long trousers and boots.Great Example.


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