Nobody faster than disaster
Maritime NZ is urging boaties to take care on the water during the holidays because ‘‘nobody’s faster than disaster’’.
‘‘While recreational boating fatalities have declined over the last few years, complacency or simple lack of care can tragically turn that around,’’ Maritime NZ director, Keith Manch, says.
‘‘That is why the theme for Maritime NZ’s summer boating campaign is ‘nobody’s faster than disaster’.’’
The campaign promotes the safer boating code that has been developed by the 23 boating organisations, businesses, and government agencies that make up the Safer Boating Forum:
– this is the single most important thing to do to help keep yourself safer on the water
Wear your lifejacket Take two waterproof ways to call for help
– if you can’t tell someone you are in trouble, then no one can rescue you
Check the marine weather forecast
– it is not the same as land and general forecasts, the weather will be different on the water
– you know not to drink and drive, it’s the same on a boat
Avoid alcohol Be a responsible skipper
– the skipper is legally responsible for the safety of the boat and everyone on board ‘‘The campaign uses education, advertising and regulation to get its message to boaties,’’ Manch says.
‘‘There are discounts on the prices of lifejackets, and we are
‘‘Between a third and half of New Zealanders get out onto the water each year ’’
also funding nine regional councils to run a trial ‘no excuses’ policy, with councils fining boaties for not complying with lifejacket rules and unsafe speed.
‘‘The award-winning ‘Virtual Coastwatch’ digital advertising will be back. It recognises when boaties’ take to the water and sends messages to their smartphones reminding them to put on their lifejackets.
‘‘Last summer Virtual Coastwatch sent 3 million messages. That sounds a surprisingly large amount but we know between a third and half of New Zealanders get out onto the water each year in about 1 million recreational boats and paddle craft.
‘‘There are also events around the country, and useful videos for boaties, featuring the hosts from TV3’s popular fishing show, Big Angry Fish.’’
More information at maritimenz.govt.nz, click ‘‘recreational’’, and the Safer Boating NZ Facebook page.