RECORD LOW IN BOATING FATALITIES

Maritime NZ has thanked boaties for taking safety seriously after a record low of four fatalities in 2018. “Even one loss of life is too many but we are pleased to see that the majority of boaties are taking notice of our advice that ‘nothing’s faster than disaster’ and are taking the necessary precautions when out on the water,” says Maritime NZ acting Director Harry Hawthorn.

“Four is low when you compare it with the 19 fatalities in 2017 and the historical average of 19 to 20 each year.

“Despite this record, Maritime NZ will continue to put safety in the spotlight. In partnership with the Safer Boating Forum, we will continue to promote safety so that the Safer Boating Code becomes second nature to every single boatie when they prepare to head out on the water.”

“Our 2018 survey shows that a decade of work by the Forum in promoting safer boating is paying off. Of the 1.5 million New Zealanders participating in recreational boating, 75% wear lifejackets all or most of the time on the water,” says Hawthorn.

“Wearing your lifejacket is the single most important thing you can do to avoid drowning if you end up in the water unexpectedly. We need to keep reminding everyone or people will become complacent and the numbers of those wearing lifejackets will drop.” The Safer Boating Code reminds boaties to: • Wear a lifejacket • Take two waterproof ways

to call for help • Check the marine

weather forecast • Avoid alcohol • Be a responsible skipper