Taeiri Mouth warning

BOATIES are being urged to be careful when crossing the bar at Taieri Mouth after a near miss at the weekend.

It was the second boat in a week to get into trouble at that spot.

Senior Sergeant Brian Benn said two people were tipped out of their boat while crossing the bar at high tide at 9.55am yesterday.

The 4m aluminium boat was tipped by a series of waves.

‘‘Thankfully, they had life jackets on and managed to swim a short distance to shore, where they were located with the assistance of First Response Taieri Mouth, some local fishermen and an offduty police officer,’’ he said.

Surf Life Saving and the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter were stood down after the boaties were safe on the shore, but they required medical assistance due to hypothermia and shock.

Snr Sgt Benn said it was good that the crew were wearing life jackets, which had possibly prevented them from drowning.

‘‘They also had good communication lines and two motors on board, so they certainly came prepared for their trip.’’

While the weather was relatively calm at the time, the sea became rough an hour later.

Snr Sgt Benn said regardless of the time of the year, the weather could change ‘‘in an instant’’ and make crossing difficult at high or low tide.

Earlier in the week, an 8.5m cabin boat capsized at Taieri Mouth at low tide, resulting in four people needing rescuing.

‘‘Water safety is so important and some simple commonsense checks can prevent needless tragedies.

‘‘It's important when boating to be familiar with navigational hazards in your area to ensure a safe passage, especially on the Taieri Mouth bar.’’