Course to help boaties cross the Raglan bar

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

The Coastguard is holding the Raglan-specific course for boaties from 8.30am on Sunday 13 November at the Sunset Motel in Bankart St. The cost is $25 per person and lifejackets are required, as a trip out to the bar is included.

Regional council 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,” Raglan harbourmaster Steve Soanes said.

“We urge anyone intending to cross the bar – who hasn’t already learnt how to do so – to attend the Coastguard Raglan 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.