If in doubt, don't go out is the message from Waikato Police following the rescue of two people from an overturned boat on the Raglan Bar this morning.
Constable Maree Fouhy of the Raglan Police said the incident happened about shortly before 10am today.
"At this time Police received several calls from concerned members of the public advising of a capsized vessel 1-2km out from the shore on the Raglan Bar.
"It was fortunate life guards from the Raglan Surf Club had observations of the 5m Haynes Hunter fibreglass boat as it tried to cross the bar and saw it capsize sending the two occupants into the water."
Ms Fouhy said a water rescue was immediately initiated and the two people from the boat, who were both wearing life-jackets, were rescued within minutes by members of the surf club.
After speaking to the occupants they stated they were both shaken from the ordeal but thankful to be alive.
Police believe the pair had taken all the necessary safety measures including wearing life jackets, having an EPERB beacon and radio on board, calling the Coast Guard as they headed out and advised three different people of their travel plans.
"It was these safety measures that saved their lives and allowed a successful rescue. The vessel at this stage has not been recovered.
Ms Fouhy said probably the one point the pair failed to adhere to was sailing within the capability of the skipper and the vessel, with the swell being bigger than anticipated.
"Raglan Coastguard regularly run Educational Bar Crossing days as well as Day Skipper Courses and further information can be obtained from http://coastguard-raglan.co.nz/. There are a number of other bars that are difficult to cross on both Waikato coasts and each local Coastguard can be contacted for further information.
"Police would like to thank those members of public who phoned in alerting to the capsized vessel, this incident is a timely reminder for extra vigilance and precautions to be taken when boating."
End