ECan introduces new safety rules for boaties

Kayakers and paddleboarders will be required to wear personal floatation devices (PFDs) and have an identification number on their vessels from October 10.

Environment Canterbury (ECan) passed changes to its navigation safety bylaw last week. The bylaw applies to all vessels six metres long and under, and aims to ensure consistency with national legislation.

The bylaw also aimed to improve safety for all water users in Canterbury, ECan said.

Vessel identification will be the trailer registration number for those vessels on trailers.

For others, it will either be the commercial vessel number, sporting organisation number, radio call sign or other approved unique identification such as the owner’s name and phone number written inside small boats like kayaks.

Environment Canterbury harbourmaster Captain Jim Dilley said his office would work with all water users to raise awareness of the new parts of the bylaw and help people comply with the new requirements.

‘‘Our enforcement officers will be on the water during the summer period helping people get used to the new requirements. We do not see this being an overnight change and we will educate and work with everyone to make it a normal part of boating over time,’’ Dilley said.

Timaru Yacht and Power Boat Club learn to sail co-ordinator Al Shearer said the new parts of the bylaw wouldn’t be a problem for the club.

All club vessels have numbers on their sails and users are already required to wear life jackets, Shearer said.

Roncalli College head of education Guy Sutherland said the school hired out paddleboards on Caroline Bay last summer. ’’We are really happy with the changes,’’ Sutherland said.

‘‘It is a step in the right direction and fits in with our safety management system ,’’ he said.