1 September 2016

Safety on the Water a Priority

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is reviewing the Regional Navigation Safety Bylaw again this year.

The Regional Harbourmaster is managing the process and would like to hear informally from individuals, clubs and organisations interested in navigation and safety along the Hawke’s Bay coast and rivers. There may be rules or restricted areas that need to be updated. In the last review the Porangahau community successfully pitched for a separation of boat launch and swimming areas in the river.

This year’s review will include developing new rules for compulsory jetski registration in Hawke’s Bay, in line with other regions, to make these easier to identify. A simple online registration system, also covering other regions in the North Island, is the most likely option.

“Safety on the water is a priority in the bylaw, and the initial response to the registration proposal from recreational water users has been positive, so further input into the mechanics of how the registration could work will be useful,” says Harbourmaster Martin Moore.

The navigation safety bylaw regulates boating and recreational activities on Hawke’s Bay waters, to ensure public safety. The bylaw makes wearing lifejackets compulsory, sets rules for moorings, boat speeds, lights and vessel identification, and regulates activity areas so that boats and swimmers can be safe.

“There are many people who use our coastal, estuary and river areas for boating, swimming, fishing and sports and I’d like to hear their ideas on how their favourite spots can be made safer.”

The Harbourmaster welcomes invitations to attend club meetings to discuss the bylaws, and public meetings may be held where necessary.

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