Police are urging boaties to stick to posted speed limits in harbours and for parents to be aware of their supervisory reponsibilities following a collision between two boats off Pauanui on Friday night.



Tairua Police constable Richard Jellyman says Maritime New Zealand is carrying out an investigation into an incident where an 11-year-old boy was airlifted to Auckland's Starship Hospital with multiple serious injuries and another boy was injured.

The incident is a timely reminder for boaties to use caution out on the water and that sea lanes can be as dangerous as roads to the inexperienced, says Richard.
'People need to exercise caution, watch your speed, look out for other vessels and steer clear of alcohol.
'There is no less responsibility required by those behind the wheel or tiller of a boat than there is on those behind the wheel of a car, our message to boaties is simple; do what you oughta when out on the water.”

Richard says emergency services were called at about 7pm and initial enquiries indicate two small boats, one which was a Zodiac, collided in the channel just north of the waterways.
'The 11-year-old boy suffered broken ribs, a broken jaw and upper palate and other injuries while a 12-year-old boy was taken to Thames Hospital for observation.”

Richard says the concern for police was the age of those in control of the vessels in such a busy waterway.
He says one boat was piloted by a 16-year-old with a 12-year-old passenger while the other was controlled by an 11-12 year old with an 11-year-old passenger.
'We have some concerns in regards to if these individuals had the relevant experience to be out there on the water.”