Safer Boating Week started with a splash – with 27 splashes, in fact, as 27 representatives of agencies and organisations with an interest in maritime safety leaped into Wellington Harbour.
The attention-grabbing plunge had a very serious side, reflecting the 27 people who died in recreational boating accidents last year. Another 16 people have so far died this year.
It is estimated that two-thirds of the deaths could have been averted if the victims had been wearing lifejackets.
Representing Police among the jumpers – who were all wearing lifejackets - were Wellington Central Area Commander Inspector Chris Bensemann and Sergeant Craig Pickering, of Wellington Police Maritime Unit.
Chris says the need to promote safer boating was brought home to him by a recent search and rescue exercise in which marine rescues in the area were
represented by a red dot on a map.
“Wellington Harbour was a sea of red,” he says. “It’s very appropriate for Police to be involved in preventing deaths and reducing the need for so many rescues. Too much time is taken up by people who make foolish decisions.”
The jump was organised by the Safer Boating Forum, which was established to coordinate and implement recreational boating safety initiatives. It is made up of government agencies and local government, water safety and recreational boating organisations, and the marine industry.
Maritime New Zealand Director Keith Manch says most boating tragedies are entirely avoidable.
“Safer Boating Week is about boaties taking simple steps to prepare before going out on the water so they avoid problems, and if problems arise, they are more likely to survive,” he says.
Safer boating messages
The three key Safer Boating Week messages are all about what to do
before going on the water:
· Prep your boat – service the engine, check and change the fuel, check the battery and generally give the boat a good once-over.
· Check your gear – make sure lifejackets are fit for purpose and you have enough. Service inflatable lifejackets and ensure you have two reliable means of communication.
· Know the rules – ensure you know the “rules of the road” on the water and check your local bylaws so you understand the requirements in your area.
For more information about safer boating visit the Safer Boating NZ Facebook page and www.saferboating.org.nz.
Photos: Julia Collins and Kaye Calder, Police Public Affairs