Water safety message from above

PICTON: Marlborough harbour authorities are using a drone to send safety messages to boat users this summer.

Harbourmaster Luke Grogan said an industrial drone fitted with loudspeakers would be flown around the Marlborough Sounds from 9am today.

He said it was important to spread the messages because middleaged men, who dominated accident statistics, could be resistant to the safer boating message.

The messages are about safe speeds, avoiding alcohol and making sure people have two forms of communication on board.

Mr Grogan said if it went well, the drone would be moved to other ports over summer. — RNZ