Boating safety courses at Raglan and Kawhia

Waikato Regional Council is supporting a new round of Coastguard boating education courses for boaties at Raglan and Kawhia over the next two months.

“Boating tragedies and near misses in Waikato waters and nationally are a reminder that boaties should ensure they have the information they need to keep themselves safe,” said navigation safety programme manager Nicole Botherway.

“We will be providing Coastguard with local boating information, such as our bylaw and harbour guides, to be distributed at the courses.”

The courses are delivered by local Coastguard Northern Region Maritime School tutor Vivienne Regnier, with the round kicking off with the popular Day Skipper course to be held at Raglan over the weekend of 24-25 September. A Marine VHF Radio Operator course will follow this at Raglan on Saturday 1 October and a multi-day Boatmaster course (including two full weekends) begins at Raglan on 3 November. Another marine VHF Radio Operator course will be held at Kawhia on 20 November.

For further information and bookings contact the team at the Coastguard Northern Region Maritime School on freephone 0508 737 283 (RESCUE) or visit www.coastguard.org.nz.

Mrs Botherway said the council is particularly keen to promote:

• Knowledge of boating safety bylaws generally
• When the five knot speed rule must be observed, particularly when skiers and jet skis are close to swimmers
• The wearing of lifejackets
• The correct identification and naming of vessels

Further information on these issues can be gained from calling navigation safety on 0800 800 401.

“The council will be looking for further opportunities to partner with Coastguard in spreading the boating safety message,” said Mrs Botherway.