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Each year in New Zealand lives are lost, people are injured.... and thousands, maybe even millions, of dollars of property damage occurs because of preventable recreational boating accidents. Too often pleasure outings turn tragic. You — as a boat Skipper, passenger, or concerned individual — can make a difference.
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It is therefore extremely important to be aware of the dangers associated with beaches and take steps to remain safe. By following a few simple rules, your day at the beach can be safe and enjoyable for all involved.
Lifeguards or lifesavers patrol many beaches in New Zealand. These beaches usually also have red and yellow flags that mark the safest place to swim on the beach and the area where lifesavers and lifeguards patrol.
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Ask a boatie about safety and they will most likely tell you they are safe enough already. They equate boating safety with equipment—like life jackets, fire extinguishers, and radios—and forget that safety is really a matter of their own behaviour.
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Skipper Responsibility
It's very easy to own a boat in New Zealand but with boat ownership comes the responsibility for the safety of all your passengers and your equipment.
The Skipper aboard any boat is in charge. Make that fact quite clear to all concerned before starting on any boating journey. Always;
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ensure you have aboard the necessary equipment for the trip you intend to make;
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make sure everyone on board knows what safety equipment is carried, where it is stowed and how it works;
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have on board a life jacket or buoyancy aid that meets NZ Standard 5823:2001 or has otherwise been accepted by the Maritime NZ, in the right size and type, for every person on the boat;
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wear life jackets when crossing river bars, during emergencies, in rough water or at times of heightened risk. Children and all non-swimmers should always wear their life jacket when on board unless inside an enclosed area such as a cabin;
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operate your boat, so as not to endanger people or property;
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never overload your boat with either people or equipment;
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make sure everything on board is properly stowed and secured;
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ensure everyone is sitting safely and holding on when in choppy seas or when travelling at speed;
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maintain your boat, its motor, electrics and equipment and check everything before you go out;
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get a marine weather forecast before you head out, listen for regular updates while you are out and remember to check the tides. If in doubt don't go out;
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leave a note with someone responsible, detailing where you are going, how many people you have on board and when you expect to return.
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Water Safety New Zealand have developed a specific we site to provide more detailed information for the recreational boatie, visit www.boatsafe.org.nz
Recreational Boating Education
Learning the art of boating can build your confidence as well as provide more enjoyment. Through the Coastguard Boating Education (CBE), you will find the opportunity to enhance your knowledge of safe boating practices. Courses can take you from the basics through to advanced boating safety topics, for the complete novice there's a course that will help you enjoy your time on the water more safely and responsibly.
Reproduced with kind permission from:
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