Water Safety Warning

Police have identified an increased risk around water safety during the Christmas holiday period. A number of people have access to new boats, and a number of inexperienced sailors take to the water during the holiday season. Police would like to have zero water safety calls over the holiday period, and ask that safety precautions are followed by boaties.

Take heed of advice from Coastguard and contact Coastguard if there is any doubt.
• Listen to weather forecasts and don't venture out when you or your craft are not prepared or suitable for the conditions forecast.
• Always wear lifejackets.
• Don’t overload your boat.
• Carry flares and a marine radio - or at the very least a mobile phone.
• Tell somebody where you are going - preferably Coastguard.
• Wear and carry suitable clothing for the type of boating you are going to undertake or eventualities you may encounter.
• Check your boat for seaworthiness.
• Watch for people in the water.
• Use an observer if you are towing a person, boat or skier.
• Carry a suitable secondary propulsion method.
• Carry water, food and sun block.
• Have fun with care and respect for others.

Inspector Jim Searle
Area Commander Papakura
Counties Manukau

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