Patrol crews are yet to report any bad behaviour by boaties in the region this winter, says Western Bay of Plenty harbour master Jennifer Roberts.

The season's so far golden record follows a summer with fewer problems of any sort on the water and a general increase in water safety during the last five years.

Frank and Pat Bullen are impressed with an increase in water safety in the Bay. Photo: Daniel Hines.

'Over the winter we have had the patrol boat out intermittently, which we haven't tried before. The patrol crew haven't reported any bad behaviour by boaties.”

Jennifer believes boaties' improved behaviour is due to an increased patrol presence and more education by volunteer harbour wardens – such as Frank and Pat Bullen.

The husband and wife combined have almost 80 years' experience as harbour wardens under their belts, and agree with Jennifer that water safety has never looked so good in the Western Bay.

'We've seen many people come and go during our time as wardens, and can happily say we think there has been a significant increase in the level of awareness around water safety, especially in the last five years or so.”

The Bullens have seen big changes in their time promoting water safety. 'There are a lot more families out on the water now,” says Pat.

'You used to just see men going out to catch some fish to feed their family, but it's about a lot more than that now.

'More people have access to boats and more often than not it is families we see going out.”

Frank especially credits families for their increased use of life jackets.

'They're really getting into the life jackets, in particular where a whole family goes out, you see all the kids with their life jackets on, you even see dogs with life jackets on.”

While Frank believes there are no stand-out safety issues remaining, Jennifer still wishes to push the message about obeying the five knot rule.

'Boaties need to remember not to exceed five knots when within 50 metres of another boat or person in the water; or when within 200 metres of the shore or a boat flying the dive flag.”

Water safety regulations are increasingly being adhered to in the Bay, according to harbour wardens Frank and Pat Bullen, who are praising residents for their safety conscious efforts.

With almost 80 years combined as harbour wardens under their belts, the husband and wife believe people have become more responsible on the water in recent years – with Frank saying there are no stand-out safety concerns remaining.

'We've seen many people come and go during our time as wardens, and can happily say we think there has been a significant increase in the level of awareness around water safety, especially in the last five years or so.”

The Bullens have seen big changes in their time promoting water safety.

'There are a lot more families out on the water now,” says Pat.

'You used to just see men going out to catch some fish to feed their family, but it's about a lot more than that now.

'More people have access to boats and more often than not it is families we see going out.”

Frank especially credits Bay families for their increased use of life jackets.

'They're really getting into the life jackets, in particular where a whole family goes out, you see all the kids with their life jackets on, you even see dogs with life jackets on.”

In his 38 years as a warden, Frank says the increased safety is a highlight of his job.

'It's nice to see people happy, but they need to be sensible too.”

Soon after Frank became a harbour warden, Pat joined him as the region's first female harbour warden. The couple are a regular sight at the Sulphur Point boat ramp, volunteering their time to support Bay of Plenty Regional Council's harbour master Jennifer Roberts.

Frank was planning on retiring this year, but has been encouraged by Jennifer to stay on in his role a while longer.

'I've decided not to drop anchor just yet. However I really want to encourage new volunteers to come forward. Not only is this role about giving something back, it's about making a real difference to the level of awareness and water safety in the Bay.”