Safety at the forefront of Navigational Bylaw Changes

The safety of all water users is the main driver behind a review and subsequent changes to the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Navigation Safety Bylaws.

One of the main changes is the requirement for those going out on the water in a vessel six metres or less and all paddle craft to wear a life jacket, including canoes, kayaks and waka ama. Previously those in small craft were only required to carry life jackets, however HBRC Harbourmaster Captain Phil Norman says evidence shows there is an increased risk to people in boats less than six metres and paddle craft and there have been 20 recreational boating fatalities already in 2011.

Another important addition for all paddle craft is the explicit requirement to enhance their visibility with the use by day of high visibility equipment and, by night, an all-round fixed or flashing white light to ensure they can be easily seen. Captain Norman says this is particularly important for multi-sport athletes and waka ama rowers who often train after work on dusk.

“There have been a number of reported near-misses where larger vessels have simply not seen a kayaker or waka ama and often the smaller vessel is completely unaware of the concern it has caused,” says Captain Norman.

The Council has provided families with safer places to passively enjoy the water. Changes to the bylaws will see Battery Road Beach alongside the Port reserved for swimmers only. Motorised vessels are no longer permitted to enter the area between the soon to be installed buoys and the shore. A similar swimming area will be created on the Porangahau River by the Beach Road Bridge. “These are popular swimming spots and we want to ensure they are as safe as can be without the worry of boats entering these swimming areas.”

It is a similar story on Te Paerahi Beach in Porangahau where a designated swimming/surfing area has been created and vessels will not be allowed to launch, retrieve or navigate through this area.

Captain Norman stresses that while the designated area has been identified it is still up to caregivers to decide for themselves whether the sea is safe to swim in.

Additional five knot speed buoys are to be installed along Hardinge Road and at the entrance to the Inner Harbour and these areas in particular will be monitored for compliance with the five knot bylaw.

The review was set for next year, however after concerns were raised over a number of issues in the water Council staff brought the review forward 12 months to ensure highlighted problems were addressed promptly.

A thorough consultation process was undertaken to develop the changes including informal and public meetings and discussions with interested groups including commercial fishing companies, local sailing and fishing clubs and a number of other clubs involved in water sports.