Source: Maritime New Zealand
Maritime NZ wants people heading out on the water over Waitangi Weekend to think about what can and often does go wrong.
This summer Maritime NZ has been notified of dozens of incidents which have resulted in injuries, near misses, people ending up in the water, collisions and damage to vessels.
On average 18 people die each year in recreational craft incidents.
“Luck, not good management or good behaviour, has been a big contributor in a number of people being able to get home safely this summer after a planned day of fun on the water,” Principal Advisor Recreational Craft, Matt Wood says.
Maritime NZ data shows a year on year increase in the number of skippers surveyed ensuring people on-board are wearing a properly fitting lifejacket, having a way to call for help stored in a waterproof bag and planning for the trip ahead.
Wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, carrying two forms of communication and understanding the conditions are critical steps to take to improve safety on the water.
“However, of the incidents we have been informed of this summer, we have seen tr
