Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com
As thousands of New Zealanders prepare to head out on the water this summer, Maritime New Zealand is reminding boaties that wearing a lifejacket is only half the safety equation. It also needs to be fit for purpose.
The message comes as the 13th annual Safer Boating Week gets underway from October 19 to 25, with this year’s theme: “If your lifejacket’s not fit for purpose, it might as well be painted on.”
The campaign follows recent rule changes requiring everyone on recreational craft six metres or less to wear a lifejacket. While the law now makes wearing a lifejacket mandatory in many situations, Maritime NZ says people also need to ensure their equipment is suitable, properly fitted and in good working condition.
On average, 17 people lose their lives each year in recreational boating incidents across New Zealand. Many of those emergencies happen with little warning, leaving limited time to react.
Maritime NZ Principal Advisor for Recreational Craft, Matt Wood, says Safer Boating Week remains an important opportunity to reinforce simple safety messages before the busy holiday season begins.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Wood says New Zealand’s boating community is changing, with more people taking part in paddle sports, kayaking, waka and other small-craft activities. At the same time, more first-time boaties and people from diverse backgrounds are discovering the country’s waterways.
He says safety advice must work across a wide range of craft and experience levels.
Before heading out, Maritime NZ recommends checking that every lifejacket is the correct size and type, inspecting inflatable jackets for servicing and expiry dates, carrying two reliable forms of communication, monitoring weather forecasts, telling someone your plans and avoiding alcohol.
“Good preparation gives you more options when something unexpected happens,” Wood said.
Maritime NZ and its safer boating partners are encouraging everyone to take a few minutes to check their gear before launching, helping ensure every day on the water ends with a safe return home.
