Source: Maritime New Zealand
Maritime New Zealand and our safer boating partners are marking the 13th Safer Boating Week by asking people to check that their lifejackets will work as intended before they head out on the water.
Safer Boating week runs from 19 to 25 October.
This year’s theme, “If your lifejacket’s not fit for purpose, it might as well be painted on”, is a reminder that simply having a lifejacket is not enough. It needs to be the right type for the activity, fit the person wearing it and be in safe working order.
The campaign follows the change requiring everyone on recreational craft six metres or less to wear a lifejacket. The new requirement sets when a lifejacket must be worn. Safer Boating Week focuses on making sure that lifejacket will provide protection if it is needed.
Tragically, on average, 17 people die each year in incidents involving recreational craft in New Zealand. Many incidents happen quickly and leave little time to react, making preparation and the wearing of properly fitted safety equipment critical.
Maritime NZ’s, Principal Advisor, Recreational Craft Matt Wood says Safer Boating Week plays a key role in reminding recreational craft users about how to keep safe in the lead up to the busy periods on the water.
“I’ve been involved in Safer Boating Week for 10 of its 13 years. Over that time, we’ve seen stronger safety awareness, better equipment and more people taking simple steps before they leave shore,” Matt Wood says.
“But the basics still matter. A lifejacket that is damaged, the wrong size or unsuitable for the activity may not work when someone needs it most. Check every lifejacket before you go, including those for children and other passengers.”
New Zealand’s boating communities are also changing. More people are taking part in paddle sports and using smaller craft, while first-time boaties and people from a wider range of communities are getting out on the water.
“That means safety advice needs to work for different people, activities and craft. Whether you are heading out in a powerboat, dinghy, kayak, waka or other recreational craft, take the time to understand the risks and carry the right equipment,” Matt Wood says.
Before going out this summer, recreational craft users should:
- check each lifejacket is the right type and size for the person and activity
- look for damage, expiry information and servicing requirements, particularly for inflatable lifejackets
- replace or service any lifejacket that is damaged, no longer fits or is unsuitable
- check the weather and marine forecast, and be prepared for conditions to change
- carry two reliable forms of communication that will work where they are going
- tell someone where they are going and when they expect to return
- avoid alcohol before and during the trip.
“Good preparation gives you more options when something unexpected happens. Take a few minutes now to check your gear, make a plan and make sure everyone on board understands how to stay safe,” Matt Wood says.
Maritime NZ and its safer boating partners hope everyone enjoys their time on the water and comes home safely.