Partnership Aimed At Saving Lives On The Water

Partnership Aimed At Saving Lives On The Water

With the number of recreational boating deaths this year already more than the annual average, the Maritime Safety Authority has welcomed the opportunity to establish a partnership with communications leader TelstraClear, aimed at driving home the boating safety message.

“Nineteen people have lost their lives as the result of boating accidents so far this year and this summer’s boating season hasn’t even started,” says Russell Kilvington, Director of Maritime Safety.

“The support of TelstraClear will enable us to better target the safety message to those most at risk on the water, and then spread that message to the wider community.”

TelstraClear Chief Executive Rosemary Howard says the partnership provides an opportunity to help raise awareness of the basic steps which save lives at sea.

“The message from this campaign will be simple because, so often, it is the simple things that people forget which result in a loss of life on our waters,” says Mrs Howard.

“TelstraClear is delighted to support such an important cause over what we hope will be a long hot summer of enjoyable, safe boating.”

The partnership between the MSA and TelstraClear will soon be visible in Auckland’s harbours, as part of the Louis Vuitton Cup racing.

Commercial charter boats which have been approved by the MSA to carry spectators out to view the racing will fly an identifying flag, featuring both the MSA and TelstraClear logos.

“If you are paying to join a vessel as part of the spectator fleet during the America’s Cup season, look for one with the MSA flag of approval. It means the boat and its operating and safety systems have been checked by the MSA and found satisfactory,” says Mr Kilvington.

Maritime Safety’s summer campaign will launch officially on Thursday 17 October in the Viaduct Basin in Auckland - just before Labour weekend, the traditional start of the new recreational boating year.

“So far this year nineteen families have lost loved ones, some of them in tragically simple circumstances. We want to get boaties thinking about safety before they head out on the water and I think this year’s message will certainly make people stop and think,” says Mr Kilvington.

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