Boaties offered bar crossing training
Due to high demand Maketu¯ Coastguard will be running its sixth Bar Crossing Training event on December 6. The training day is a great opportunity for boaties to increase their knowledge of crossing local river bars including Kaituna, Maketu¯ and Pukehina. It also includes safe boating techniques with the guidance of the Maketu¯ Coastguard crew.
It will be at Maketu¯ Coastguard Base, Kaituna Cut, Ford Rd, starting at 11am with registration from 10.30am.
“This type of training session is a great opportunity for local boaties to gain experience in what is often one of the most dangerous aspects of boating in this area, crossing the bar successfully. It’s also great for our local boaties to get to meet our crew members,” said spokesman Geoff Oliver.
The Bar Crossing Training will cover boat safety, a bar crossing visit, videos showing information on bar crossing techniques and finally a chance to cross the bar with Maketu¯ Coastguard crew in either Eastpack Rescue or Kohinui Rescue.
“If you are at all unsure about crossing the bar, this is the event you need to come to,’’ says Maketu¯ Coastguard president Shane Beech, adding it is one of the group’s most popular events.
“It’s a great chance to be able to go out on one of the Maketu¯ Coastguard boats and experience the thrill of crossing the bar on a jet boat.”
The training session is free to all current Maketu¯ Coastguard members, or at a cost of $85 for non members.
Before the training event Maketu¯ Coastguard will be holding a blessing ceremony for two new rescue jet skis and the new pontoon facility at 10am.
Anyone wanting to book can call 021 139 3598 or email maketucoastguard@gmail. com.