Course to help boaties cross the Raglan bar

A course aimed at saving the lives of boaties crossing the notorious Raglan bar is being held next month by Coastguard Raglan, with support from Environment Waikato.

The Coastguard is holding the Raglan-specific course for boaties at 8.30am on Sunday 10 April at the Raglan Fire Station. Environment Waikato harbourmasters will be providing safe boating resources and regional harbour guides to participants.

“The Raglan bar can be very tricky and hazardous to negotiate and there have been a number of serious capsizing incidents in recent years,” Coastguard Raglan’s Wally Hawkin said.

“We urge anyone intending to cross the bar – who hasn’t already learnt how to do so – to attend our course, which helps ensure boaties are more aware of how to negotiate it as safely as possible.”

Numbers on the course are limited. People can pre-register for the course with Coastguard Raglan’s secretary Bridget Green on 07 825 8089 or email raglancoastguard@gmail.com.

The course registration is at 8.30am at the Raglan Fire Station at 11 Wainui Road. A course fee of $25 is payable by cash or cheque on the day. Participants should bring a lifejacket, as a boat trip out on the bar is included.

For more information, contact raglancoastguard@gmail.com.