Coastguard urges safety for summer

Coastguards across the country are in the throws of the peak season on the water, covering everything from simple jumpstarts through to full-blown emergencies.

In the last year, Coastguard’s 2052 volunteers dedicated 309,367 hours to answering 281,200 callouts and brought 6797 people home to safety.

One of the busiest Coastguard rescue vessels in the country, North Shore Rescue, based in Auckland, has attended a whopping 190 calls for help in the last 12 months.

The team is made up of volunteers from all walks of life, boaties and non-boaties alike.

Skipper Leigh Armstrong said a typical day on the water might include a couple of jumpstarts and a tow.

Whereas a busy day on the water could include anything from sinking boats, to dismastings and medical incidents.

Coastguard recently teamed up with other water authorities to plead for Kiwis to be safe around the water during the holiday period.

‘‘There have been 11 more pre- ventable fatal drownings so far this year compared to the same time last year and there are fears that it is set to grow even further as Kiwis head out in droves to enjoy New Zealand’s beaches, rivers, lakes, swimming pools and other water spots this Christmas,’’ a Coastguard spokesperson said.

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Jonty Mills said drowning remained the number one cause of recreational death and third most common cause of accidental death in New Zealand.

The rise in drownings of toddlers and under-5s was particularly disheartening, with seven drownings happening in 2017 compared to a five-year average of four, he said.

‘‘The only fool-proof solution is constant adult supervision and keeping toddlers at arm’s length at all times around the water.’’

Coastguard chief executive Patrick Holmes said his wish was that everyone who went out boating this summer came home safely.

‘‘There are two simple things that people can do to ensure this happens – wear a lifejacket and carry two forms of waterproof communication so that you can call for help if you do get into difficulty.’’