Concerns at rapid rise in new boaties

Growing numbers of new boaties floating about in Auckland’s waters are worrying safety advocates who fear more drownings if nothing is done.

The number of new boat-trailer registrations increased by 42 per cent between 2008 and 2107, while more than 50 per cent of boaties have fewer than five years’ experience.

Water Safety NZ chief executive Jonty Mills said a water-safety strategy specific to Auckland was being developed to address the concerning figures.

“It’s our largest population base and with high participation rates across a wide range of water-based activities, an accessible harbour and warm climate, it’s important we have a strong focus on Auckland.”

In the five years from 2013 to 2017, 67 people died in preventable drownings — an average of 17 a year. Most drownings are at beaches, where the biggest killer is immersion incidents, followed by swimming and powered boating.

The Auckland Coastguard receives an average of 600 callouts a year, while police search and rescue teams respond to about 85 waterrelated callouts.

“Auckland has had rapid population growth and water-safety services are scrambling to keep up with demand,” Mills said. “These are largely volunteer-based organisations facing significant challenges.”

Water Safety NZ is working with Drowning Prevention Auckland and other partners in the region to develop a regional water safety strategy to raise awareness and address the challenges specific to Auckland.