The popular southern breakwater at Tauranga Bridge Marina has added new safety to reduce risks for recreational fishers and other users of the pier.

Tauranga Bridge Marina has installed life rings and a number of emergency ladders along the southern pier.

The emergency ladders lift out of the water to prevent damage from constant exposure to the water, but drop when a toggle is pulled in an emergency.

The new devices help to ease the mind of Marina manager Tony Arnold.

'For years I have been worried about what might happen if, for example, a child fell into the water and the parent wasn't a good enough swimmer and got into trouble themselves,” says Tony.

'With the currents around the southern attenuator, they would have a heck of a job getting out of the water.

'Our consent requires us to allow the public to use the southern pier for fishing and it is great to see the public enjoy the space. But there is always a risk, and there is only so much we can do with signage and reminder notices.

'We had rope grab loops put in, in the past, but they are often vandalised and cut up by members of the public. We are really pleased with the new safety equipment and the safety outcomes for all the users,” says Tony.

The life rings and emergency ladders are funded through Bay of Plenty Regional Council sponsorship and the maritime team.

You can find out more about the Regional Council sponsorship on the website www.boprc.govt.nz/sponsorship.