A plea to Eastern Bay boaties to take extra care when out on the water.
Maritime New Zealand have issued the message, after several collisions, overturned vessels and incidents where people showed a lack of understanding for the rules over the holiday period.
Maritime NZ note, over the holiday period between 23rd December to 9th January, they received dozens of reports of incidents. Incidents ranged from minor to quite serious.
“The majority of these were preventable, and several people were unable to go home uninjured after a planned day of fun on the water,” says Principal Advisor Recreational Craft, Matt Wood.
“It is important for people to remember; if they are in charge of a vessel they are legally responsible for keeping themselves, their passengers and other water users safe,” Wood says.
Maritime NZ recommends those planning on heading out check out saferboating.org.nz for information about how to prepare for a day on the water.
“If you go out on the water thinking she’ll be right. You could injure yourself, others, and Maritime NZ does prosecute those involved in incidents in the recreational craft space." Wood says.
Maritime New Zealand urge anyone who notices any unsafe actions on the water to report them via maritimenz.govt.nz.
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