Coastguard urges Kiwis to get prepared for Labour Weekend

Coastguard urges Kiwis to get prepared for Labour Weekend

As Labour Weekend marks the beginning of the busy boating season, so too does Safer Boating Week which runs from October 14 -21. It’s a timely reminder to encourage boaties to get prepared and check their boats, before heading out on our seas, lakes and rivers this weekend.

“Last year, Labour Weekend saw Coastguard volunteers bring over 200 people home safely and respond to approximately 80 incidents over the three days. It’s always a busy time for Coastguard and we recommend skippers get boat engines serviced, check batteries, fuel lines, oil, propellers, water pumps and other hardware before heading out.” said Coastguard New Zealand CEO, Patrick Holmes.

“Safer Boating Week is a national initiative involving multiple water safety agencies all working together to raise awareness of safety messages, we encourage boaties to know the rules, check their gear and be prepared. We need boaties to play their part and take responsibility for their own safety.” said Holmes.

Boaties need to remember three simple messages before heading out:

Prep your boat – prepare your boat and make sure it’s safe

Check your gear – check you have the right safety equipment and it’s working

Know the rules – and know what to do if something goes wrong

“They’re simple messages that save lives. On average, about 23 boaties die each year. This is far too many and some simple preparation before heading out can avoid potential disaster. Finding accurate tide and marine weather forecast information before launching and having two separate waterproof communication devices on board is good practice. It is vital that skippers know the Boating Safety Code and adhere to its five simple rules.” said Holmes.

1. Ensure that there is a life jacket for every person on board that is the correct size and fit.

2. Take two forms of communication with you. A VHF radio as the primary means is essential and don't forget a backup such as your mobile phone in a water proof case. Make sure you always carry a charged cell phone as a backup option and keep it safe in a water proof bag. Before you hit the water, always tell someone trustworthy (and preferably Coastguard) where you are going and what your intentions are. If something should happen, it will make the search and rescue efforts more efficient - meaning help will reach you faster.

3. Check the marine weather forecast before you launch. Coastguard’s NowCasting service offers free reliable and up-to-date information.

4. Avoid alcohol – safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change quickly on the water and you need to stay alert and aware.

5. As the skipper, you are responsible for your vessel and all of the people on board at all times. Make sure all passengers have been given a safety briefing and know what to do in an emergency should anything happen to the skipper.

Coastguard volunteers answered more than 283,611 calls for help in the last year and recommends boaties have their Coastguard membership sorted before heading out. You can become a member at https://www.coastguard.nz/membership. And remember VHF channels have changed – go to www.retune.co.nz or https://www.coastguard.nz/boating-safely/communications/ to find what they have changed to.

ENDS

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