Local boaties on best behaviour
The habits of New Zealand boaties on the water have been revealed in the latest Maritime Recreational Boating survey, and the results suggest Whanganui boaties are more responsible than most.
The survey, conducted every calendar year by Maritime New Zealand, explores the number of Kiwis involved in recreational boating activities, as well as the measures they take to keep themselves safe.
This year’s survey found that about 1.7 million New Zealanders are involved in boating around the country, with 4 per cent of Kiwis reporting boating within the Manawatu¯/Whanganui region.
Within Whanganui, 90 per cent of boaties reported that they wear lifejackets the entire time while on a vessel, with 90 per cent also reporting that they carry enough lifejackets for all occupants onboard their craft.
Eighty-eight per cent of boaties in Whanganui also reported that they always check the marine forecast before hitting the water, while the same percentage of people reported that they always make sure to avoid alcohol before and while they’re on the water.
Compared to the nationwide figures, the statistics suggest that Whanganui boaties are safer than most. The survey shows the number of boaties wearing lifejackets in Whanganui is higher than the New Zealand average, with a total of only 80 per cent of Kiwis confirming they wear their lifejackets at all times on the water.
The national statistics suggest that Whanganui residents are more cautious with alcohol and weather too, with only 78 per cent avoiding alcohol before boating and an even lower 76 per cent bothering to check the marine forecast.
Coastguard Whanganui president Garry Hawkins said boaties around Whanganui are for the most part pretty safe.
“Whanganui boaties are generally pretty good,” Hawkins said.
“You get the odd one who buys a new boat and doesn’t know what they’re doing.
“But the local boaties are pretty good and they help each other out.”
Hawkins’ key advice for boaties is to wear lifejackets, check the tides and weather, and ensure at least two methods of communication are accessible onboard.
“The main thing is to check the weather, check the tides. Two hours either side of low tide, you’re going to struggle to get out the Wharf St ramp. If there’s no one in the carpark and it’s a little bit breezy, obviously no one is going out for a reason.”