A Few Simple Rules to Save Lives on the Water this Summer

With the 10th largest coast line in the world, I guess it comes as no surprise that we Kiwis love the water. Between us, we own 560,000 boats including kayaks, says Coastguard New Zealand’s Executive Officer Brand and Marketing, Christine Haru. A lot of those vessels will be 6m or under and a large proportion of them can be found north of Taupo, with other big pockets around the country in places like Wellington, Picton and Christchurch.

With the arrival of summer, there's already been a recent spate of tragedies on the water that potentially could have been prevented if the few simple preventative measures put together by Coastguard and The National Pleasure Boat Safety Forum had been followed.

So here’s what you need to do to help ensure everyone returns safely from having fun on the water this summer:

1. Take Life Jackets That Fit (and ensure everyone wears them!)

By law, people must carry an appropriately fitting lifejacket for every person on board a vessel of 6m and under.  In some locations but not all, local bylaws require that they be worn. Wearing a lifejacket will increase your survival time in the water, but isn’t going to be a lot of help if you’re not wearing it. When things go wrong, they can go from bad to worse very quickly and vessels can sink amazingly fast. Make sure everyone on your boat wears a lifejacket.

2. Skipper Responsibility

Knowing both your personal limitations and your boat’s limitations can save lives. If you haven’t got much experience, do some courses, and err on the side of caution. There has to be one person in charge: the skipper. He or she is responsible for the safety of everyone on board and for the safe operation of the boat at all times.

Give your boat a warrant of fitness. Before you even think about heading out on the water, have it checked thoroughly. Has it been sitting for a while? Is the fuel stale? Is the battery dead? Check the same kind of things you would on your car because breaking down at sea can be dangerous and is nobody’s idea of fun.

3. Marine Communications

The trouble with relying on a cell phone out at sea is if the battery goes flat or you can’t get a signal, you are stuffed. Cell phones simply provide one-to-one communication whereas a marine VHF radio allows you to communicate with many others, including boaties closest to you on the water that may be in the best position to rapidly offer help. The general rule is to have two different means of communication when you are on the water and ensure both are waterproof. 406MHz distress beacons can be hired or bought.

4. Marine Weather

A land-based weather forecast and a marine-based weather forecast can be two very animals. The general rule is 'If in doubt, don’t go out' even if it’s just to check your nets. Nobody needs to tell you that NZ weather can change really rapidly. Be prepared for it to change.

5. Alcohol and Boating Don't Mix

Booze impairs your judgement and while it’s ok to have a few drinks after you have anchored for the night, drinking while your vessel is on the move represents at least the same, if not more risks and dangers than driving drunk on the road.

For more info, check out www.coastguard.co.nz.