Last year's high number of marine rescues prompted a joint effort over the weekend to better inform boaties about water safety.
Western Bay of Plenty Search and Rescue coordinator sergeant Craig Madden says a significant number of rescues were made between November 2008 and January 2009.
'Most rescues could have been avoided or significantly reduced if the skippers had maintained their equipment and carried safety devices,” says Craig.



File picture.

The Harbour Master and wardens, Coastguard and police manned three boat ramps in Tauranga on Saturday, advising boaties as they launched.
He says with the one exception, all boats launched from these ramps had sufficient safety equipment, including buoyancy aids.
But one group tried to head out onto the water without lifejackets and unsuccessfully attempted to launch at the three boat ramps.
'Boats must carry sufficient buoyancy aids for each person on board and they should also have two forms of communication with a marine radio being the preferred primary device, as cellphone coverage can be limited out at sea,” says Craig.
He also stated that safety items, such as flares and EPIRBS (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) can greatly assist Search and Rescue personnel, should they need help.