Don't 'clown around' on board this summer

As the weather gets better and the lure of the water becomes stronger, Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) is reminding boaties to put their lifejackets on when they get on board. It could be a lifesaver.

Every year, nearly 500,000 kiwis take to the water in recreational craft, ranging from dinghies, jet skis, and kayaks, to powerboats and aluminium fishing boats.

“While it is great fun heading out on the water, we don’t want to see any more families losing loved ones this summer because someone didn’t take a few moments to put on their lifejacket on,” said MNZ Director Keith Manch.

“How many times will we have to read newspaper articles that say: ‘they would have survived had they been wearing lifejackets’? Already in 2011 we’ve had 20 fatalities, many of which could have been avoided.

“Making sure you carry at least two reliable means of emergency communication, checking the weather forecast before you go out and laying off the booze are also common sense tips that are key to staying safe on the water.”

The National Pleasure Boat Safety Forum, which is charged with contributing to boating safety and reducing the number of boating fatalities in New Zealand, has launched a new campaign promoting lifejackets. The campaign encourages people not to be ‘clowns’ and ensure that all are wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when they get on board.

Research has indicated that the majority of boating fatalities happen on pleasure craft smaller than 6m, with men significantly over-represented in the drowning figures.

Mr Manch said it was also important that people checked their lifejackets were in good working order before going out – a message recently echoed by the Otago/Southland coroner during an initial inquiry into the tragic death of a man on Lake Wanaka.

“A preliminary investigation into the death found that the co2 gas cylinder on the skipper’s inflatable PFD wasn’t fitted properly, and that it may also not have been charged, so it would not have inflated the PFD when activated. This is an important reminder that inflatable PFDs do need to be serviced and checked to ensure that they will work in an emergency.”

Mr Manch reminded boaties of the legal requirement to carry sufficient lifejackets or PFDs of the right size and type for all on board. With children, it was particularly important to check that lifejackets fitted properly, with crotch straps recommended to prevent the jacket from slipping over their head.

“Because accidents often happen quickly on the water, if you’re not wearing your lifejacket and end up in the water unexpectedly, it’s often too late to put it on. We don’t want to see another grieving family this summer because someone didn’t stop for a few moments to put their lifejacket on.”

Top boating safety tips

1. Wear your lifejacket. Maritime law requires ALL skippers to carry enough lifejackets or PFDs of the right size and type for everyone on board. Also check that your lifejacket or PFD is not worn or damaged, and that if of the inflatable variety, that the gas cylinder is properly fitted and charged, so it will work in an emergency.
2. Check the marine weather forecast before you go. If in doubt don’t go out.
3. Carry at least two reliable forms of maritime communication. A distress beacon and a handheld, waterproof marine VHF radio are the most reliable forms of maritime communication. Red handheld flares are also an effective means of indicating distress. If carried, cell phones should be inside a resealable plastic bag, but should not be relied on as your only form of communication.
4. Check your boat. Ensure your boat is well maintained and in good working condition before heading out on the water.
5. Don’t go overboard on alcohol. Alcohol impairs judgement and balance, and its effects are exaggerated on the water. Consumption of alcohol will also reduce your survival time if you end up in the water.
6. Make a trip report. Let someone responsible know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
7. Be considerate to other water users. Keep a lookout, stick to safe speeds, and be patient, so that everyone can enjoy the water.