Coastguard says summer safety checks are critical

Labour weekend traditionally marks the start of summer so Coastguard is urging boaties to make safety checks a priority to ensure everyone is safe on the water.

Adhering to a few simple safety procedures will help make this summer's boating season a safe and enjoyable one.

Coastguard New Zealand President, Colin Small, says while it is understandable that many Kiwis can get caught up in the excitement of summer's arrival, it is also important to remember that safety on the water needs to be a priority.

"Labour weekend is often the first trip out on the water after the winter months for many boaties so we always make sure we're prepared for an increase in calls for assistance during this time.

"Given that many vessels will have been out of action over winter, it is important that skippers keep safety top of mind, check all equipment and make sure the vessel is seaworthy by carrying out regular maintenance checks," he says.

Coastguard recommends making the following vessel checks:

* Checking batteries to see if they need replacing or charging * Replacing old or stale fuel * Check the fuel filters for water * Ensuring safety and communication equipment is up to date, functional and has not been misplaced. This includes flares, lifejackets, torches, locator beacons and a working marine VHF radio

"Having a working Marine VHF radio, flares or locator beacons is especially important because without them, it is impossible to alert Coastguard if you get into difficulty," says Mr Small.

"When it comes to communication, we also recommend that skippers always log a trip report via VHF radio and to carry a charged cell phone kept in a waterproof bag for backup."

Boaties should also check the marine weather forecast before venturing out and when out on the water, continue to monitor this using Coastguard's NowCasting service which provides up-to date marine, wind strength and marine weather forecasts via VHF radio across most of New Zealand.

"Conditions at sea can change very quickly so it's imperative that boaties check the marine forecast before departing. Even if the conditions are clear, it is crucial that you always tell someone trustworthy where you are going in case of an emergency," says Mr Small.

In an effort to educate New Zealanders about all aspects of safe boating, Coastguard runs a series of public boating safety courses including practical powerboat training, day skipper courses and marine VHF radio training.

For more information about the range of courses available, visit http://www.cbes.org.nz

Coastguard New Zealand's Water Safety Tips

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

2. Check the marine weather forecast before you launch and keep yourself up to date during the day with the Coastguard NowCasting on VHF - the weather can change quickly at sea.

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

4. Make sure your vessel is prepared correctly, has all of the necessary safety equipment (including life jackets, flares etc), that your boat is fit for purpose and is in a good and sound condition - you should always be prepared for the worst.

5. Take at least two water-proof methods of communication - the primary method is always a VHF marine radio. Secondary is a cell phone - (always put your cell phone in a waterproof bag) - if you can't call us, we can't rescue you. Other options include flares, personal locator beacons.

6. Before you go on the water, always tell someone trustworthy (and preferably Coastguard) of where you are going and what your intentions are. If something should happen, it will make the search and rescue efforts more efficient which mean help will reach you faster.

7. Check the boat and engine before you leave and don't overload the boat - be prepared for the unexpected.

If you would like your own comprehensive checklist of things to assess before heading out on the water, the 'Boating Safety Guide' can be downloaded at http://www.coastguard.co.nz

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