Message from the Harbourmaster’s Office

Our enforcement officer down on the lakes spotted this idiot.

1610 (4.10pm) 22 December 2016, Lake Benmore, Ohau C.

A vessel over 5m came in towards the boat ramp, where it was observed by one of our enforcement officers, there were 7 persons on board, 6 adults and a baby that appeared to around 6 months old.

The baby was being held in the arms of a female.

The only person wearing a lifejacket was the skipper, a male in his late 20s.

There were lifejackets on board but not worn.

When spoken to the skipper was co-operative but not really concerned that either the baby or his passengers were not wearing lifejackets.

Further enquires are continuing with enforcement action being considered against the skipper.

Gary Manch, Navigation Safety Officer for the Harbourmaster’s Office at Environment Canterbury said that “this is case of pure stupidity, including putting a baby at risk. Should an accident occur, the chances of the person holding onto the baby if the vessel capsized is remote, and once in the water with neither person wearing a lifejacket survival would be remote. It is concerning that we have people who are in charge of vessels who clearly do not think of the consequences of their actions. Nobody is faster than disaster.”

ends

© Scoop Media