Safer Boating Week begins today

Safer Boating Week launched with a splash and a difference

14 October 2016

Safer Boating Week begins today (Friday, October 14) with a bit of fun underlining a serious message.

To highlight the tragedy of those who die in recreational boating accidents, the Safer Boating Forum* traditionally starts Safer Boating Week (October 14-21) with a wharf jump in Wellington, and this year also in Auckland.

Forum Chair, Maritime NZ Deputy Director Lindsay Sturt, said this year the first into the water will jump carrying, not wearing, their lifejackets.

“They will have to hold onto their lifejackets when they hit the water and then try to put them on. This is surprisingly difficult to do,” Mr Sturt said.

“Always wear lifejackets” is the Forum’s message because at least two-thirds of recreational boating deaths could be prevented if people wore lifejackets.

“Most councils’ bylaws require lifejackets to be worn,” Mr Sturt said. “It is just common sense. Most accidents occur suddenly with no warning. When that happens it is too late to try to find and put on a lifejacket.”

Prep, Check, Know

Safer Boating Week is the week before Labour Day weekend, the traditional start of recreational boating in much of the country. The aim is to encourage boaties to take simple steps before getting back on the water: Prep your boat, Check your Gear, Know the rules.

· Prep - service the engine, check and change the fuel, check the battery and just generally give the boat a good onceover.

· Check - make sure your lifejackets are still fit for purpose and you have enough. Service any inflatable lifejackets and ensure you have two reliable forms of communication equipment.

· Know - ensure you know the “rules of the road” on the water, and check your local bylaws to make sure you understand what the requirements are in your area.

“If you are on the water when you discover a problem with your boat or equipment, or that you do not know an important safety rule, then it is too late and people are in danger,” Mr Sturt said.

Lots of activities

A week of boating events, and news media and social media activity has been planned by councils and boating organisations all around the country. Including:

· For the first time the TV3 fishing show, Big Angry Fish, come on board as Safer Boating Week partners and feature on many new resources.

· Three smartphone apps - updating the nation-wide Marine Mate, launching Marlborough Cruise Guide, and promoting the successful MetService Marine.

· Local events include a colouring competition with the winning child becoming harbourmaster for the day, lifejacket checks, a boat race, fishing competitions, courses and training, boat ramp visits, and on the water checks. Plus, much more!

*Safer Boating Forum
The Forum was established in 2000 to coordinate and implement recreational boating safety initiatives. It is made up of government agencies and local government, water safety and recreational boating organisations, and the marine industry. The Forum’s work is aimed at reducing boating injuries and fatalities and improving boat safety behaviour. Maritime NZ chairs the Forum and members include Coastguard, Jet Boating NZ, Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers, local and central government, NZ Fishing News, NZ Jet Sports Boating Association, NZ Marine Industry Association, NZ Underwater Association, Surf Lifesaving NZ, Waka Ama NZ, Water Safety NZ, WaterSafe Auckland, White Water NZ, and Yachting NZ.

Maritime New Zealand Media Line: +64 4 499 7318

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