The Tauranga Boat Show is taking a break this year, but maritime enthusiasts will still find plenty to excite them next weekend.

The Tauranga Marine Industry Association is holding the Safer Boating Marine Market Day at Sulphur Point Marina on Sunday, September 18.

File Photo.

TMIA Chairman Jim McManaway says the event will be a first for the region, with large numbers of both private and commercial operators taking up space at the marine market day.

'You name it, if it relates to being on, in, or near the water this summer, it will probably be there.”

Jim says buyers will find retailers and private individuals offering items at ridiculously reduced prices.

'There will be specials on kayaks, yachting equipment, marine engine parts and accessories. I even heard of one mob that's bringing in a whole trailer-load of mooring ropes.”

Outgoing TMIA Chairman and Tauranga Bridge Marina manager Tony Arnold says it has been many years since there's been a second hand boat gear shop in Tauranga.

'Over the years we have held a few swap meets, and it is absolutely amazing what comes out of the sheds and lazarettes. With all the boating and fishing clubs being involved, we are expecting a huge turnout.”

Safer Boating Tauranga are the official sponsors of this inaugural event, and will also be present. According to Water Safety New Zealand, there have already been 74 drownings in New Zealand this year, and there's a push to reduce that death toll through education this summer.

Harbourmasters Team administrator Jules Taylor says regional councils will be doing a lot of boat ramp appearances this year to get information out there about a new summer water safety initiative, ‘Prep, Check, Know'.

Prep, Check, Know is about prepping your boat, checking your equipment, and knowing the rules to make people safer on the water. 'It's all based around safer boating,” says Jules.

Drowning statistics show a disproportionate number of older males.

'You'll see a boat go out, and Mum and the kids are wearing one, but the skipper, the Dad? ‘Don't need it. I've been boating all my life.'

'Yes, but clearly they've had no boating education and have just done it because that's the Kiwi way. We don't want to stop that, but we do want to educate them. Life jackets save lives.”

The event on September 18 also coincides with the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club's Open Day for the CB Summer Series 2016/17.