Police, Tauranga Coastguard, Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff and volunteer harbour wardens are going to be at three of the region's boat ramps this Saturday morning to catch up with boaties and offer tips for practising safe boating.

Carl Magazinovic says boaties need to take a moment and think about what they are doing before heading out onto the water for the first time this summer.

Bay of Plenty regional harbour master Carl Magazinovic says the day is a great opportunity to raise the awareness of safe boating practices and be available to chat with people who have any questions.

'We know that Labour Weekend is a popular time for boaties to get out and enjoy our harbours,” says Carl.

'We are keen to make ourselves available to help improve their knowledge of safe boating regulations.”

A part of the event's aim is to be proactive in preventing accidents and so calling in the help of Harbour Patrol, Coastguard and Search and Rescue teams.

'We much prefer to be preventing boat accidents than responding to them, so we see this as a way to ensure people are practising safe boating and are aware of the regulations before the busy season begins.”

Anyone interested in boating is welcome to visit the Sulphur Point, Whareroa Bay (off Taiaho Place) and Pilot Bay boat ramps where copies of the latest Navigational Safety Bylaw booklet will be available, as well as some free maps, brochures and small giveaways.

'Bring your boat down and we can help get your VHF radio on the correct channel or check your boat weight is the right size for your towing vehicle.

'We simply want to help people to avoid penalties and potential danger this summer, and hope that a day at the boat ramps will make for a good start.”

The wardens will be at the boat ramps from 6am on Saturday.

Read the Navigational Safety Bylaw at www.envbop.govt.nz