Don’t become a statistic

There have been only three boating fatalities this year for 2018 — almost an all-time low — but already Maritime NZ is warning boaties not to become part of the usual “statistic spike” this summer.

Incoming chair of the Safer Boating Forum, Maritime NZ deputy director Sharyn Forsyth, reminds boaties to “Prep, check and know” or prepare their boats, check their gear and know the rules.

“Nineteen boaties died in 2017 and while only three boaties have died this year there is a pattern of fatalities spiking over the warmer summer months,” says Sharyn.

“We know that boaties start getting in the water after Labour Weekend and we want to urge them to make sure they are ready for it.”

Safer Boating Week started with a splash on Friday when boating leaders in Wellington, Auckland and Niue put their lifejackets on and jump into their respective harbours.

“Safer Boating Week is also a chance to remind boaties to ‘Check your lifejacket’ as we know that some lifejackets are failing which is a serious safety hazard,” says Sharyn.

“Checking lifejackets is something every boatie should do each time before going out on the water. It’s too late if you discover a fault when you’ve capsized and really need your lifejacket.”

Manufacturers advise modern will last about 10 years.

“If your lifejackets are 10 years old, check them thoroughly with an eye to replacing and destroying them,” says Sharyn.

“Don’t sell them or give them away — that creates a safety problem for another family.

“Many Kiwi boaties are still relying on kapok-filled lifejackets that are 30 to 50 years old and should be destroyed immediately.”

Research shows that two-thirds of recreational boating fatalities may have been avoided if people wore lifejackets all the time.

“If you are on the water when you discover a problem with your boat or equipment, or that you do not know an important safety rule, then it is too late and people are in danger,” says Sharyn. lifejackets