More boating deaths this summer are avoidable says Coastguard
The recent boating accident which claimed two lives in the Foveaux Strait is a stark reminder that boaties must prepare and communicate before heading out on the water, says Coastguard.
After a large wave caused their vessel to capsize, the fishermen were in the water for more than five hours with a strong sea breeze blowing and a water temperature of only 14 degrees before an alarm was raised by a fellow boatie.
President of Coastguard’s Bluff Unit, Andy Johnson says this incident highlights the importance role preparation and planning plays in boating safely.
“It is absolutely imperative that boaties always check the weather and marine forecasts before heading out onto the water. Keeping up to date with the conditions while at sea can be done quickly and easily with Coastguard’s free NowCasting VHF service, available 24 hours a day. Southland boaties can access NowCasting updates on VHF channel 23 which cover Nugget Point, Ruapuke Island, Centre Island and Puysegur Point.
“We also recommend that all skippers tell someone trustworthy where they are heading, what their intentions are and what time they expect to be back. Having access to this information early on in a search and rescue operation can make all the difference. Sometimes just minutes can make the difference between Coastguard reaching people in time so having a good idea of where you could be means we can locate you more easily,” says Mr Johnson.
In an effort to prevent incidents and fatalities on the water, Coastguard runs a series of public boating safety courses including practical powerboat training, day skipper courses and marine VHF radio training.
“Coastguard’s boating education courses are a great investment not only for boaties wishing to brush up on their technical skills, but for those wanting to learn more about strategies and procedures that can prove vital in an emergency situation,” says Mr Johnson.
Coastguard boating education courses are run year round in all regions from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Information about the courses available can be found at www.cbes.org.nz
Coastguard is currently working with Maritime New Zealand and local councils around the country to help conduct the annual Boat Ramp Survey, the results of which are critical in measuring the effectiveness of the Boating Safety Strategy.
Coastguard New Zealand’s Water Safety Tips
1. As the skipper, you are responsible for your vessel and all of the people on board at all times. Make sure that all of the people have been given a safety briefing and know what to do in an emergency should anything happen to the skipper.
2. Check the marine weather forecast before you launch and keep yourself up to date during the day with the Coastguard NowCasting on VHF – the weather can change quickly at sea.
3. Ensure that there is a life jacket for every person on board and that they are the correct size and fit.
4. Make sure your vessel is prepared correctly, has all of the necessary safety equipment (including life jackets, flares etc), that your boat is fit for purpose and is in a good and sound condition - you should always be prepared for the worst.
Take at least two water-proof methods of communication – the primary method is always a VHF marine radio. Secondary is a cell phone – (always put your cell phone in a waterproof bag) – if you can’t call us, we can’t rescue you. Other options include flares, personal locator beacons.
6. Before you go on the water, always tell someone trustworthy (and preferably Coastguard) of where you are going and what your intentions are. If something should happen, it will make the search and rescue efforts more efficient which mean help will reach you faster.
7. Check the boat and engine before you leave and don’t overload the boat – be prepared for the unexpected.
If you would like your own comprehensive checklist of things to assess before heading out on the water, the ‘Boating Safety Guide’ can be downloaded at www.coastguard.co.nz