Education to Help Reduce Fatalities on Manukau Bar
MEDIA RELEASE
10 February
2012
Coastguard Education to Help Reduce Fatalities on Manukau Bar
Coastguard is hoping to reduce the number of fatalities and boat capsizes on the Manukau Bar this summer by hosting an educational Manukau Bar Awareness Day on Sunday, February 26.
New Zealand’s
coastline can be ruthless, catching out even some of the
most experienced boaties. Getting to some of the best
fishing spots often means navigating one of the many
notorious bar crossings along the coast. This is one of the
most dangerous parts of boating, resulting in many boats
getting damaged and lives being lost each year when attempts
to navigate these bars go wrong.
To help up-skill locals,
Coastguard’s Titirangi, Papakura and Waiuku Units are
teaming up to take boaties on an educational trip over the
Manukau Bar. Each of the Units will take registrations and
hold presentations covering bar safety, communications and
local knowledge at a local meeting point before heading onto
the water and gathering at Blow Hole Bay.
Darren Arthur, Education Manager of Coastguard’s Northern Region, says the aim of the awareness day is to educate locals of the dangers that bar crossings can present and show them how to cross them safely.
“Knowing what you are doing, having some good local knowledge and making sure everyone on board is well-prepared are essential ingredients for a safe crossing. By working together, we hope to help boaties prepare themselves for a safe and enjoyable summer on the water,” he says.
Attending the Manukau Bar Awareness Day
is free however participants are encouraged to become a
Coastguard member or make a donation to support Coastguard
as the charity saving lives at sea.
Coastguard’s Bar
Awareness Days often sell out fast so make sure you book as
soon as possible to secure a place.
You can book online by visiting www.coastguard.org.nz or by calling the Coastguard Education team on 0508 RESCUE (737 283).
8.00am
– Registration/Presentations/Vessel inspections –
Papakura Base
9.30 am –
Registration/Presentations/Vessel inspections – Titirangi
Base at French Bay
9.30am –
Registration/Presentations/Vessel inspections – Waiuku
Base at Te Toro
11.30am – Vessels from the three Units
come together at the marshalling point – Blow Hole
Bay
11.45am – The first of the five trips over the bar
commence with a maximum of 10 private vessels and a minimum
of two Coastguard vessels per trip
*Each crossing will be subject to weather conditions and vessel availability on the day. Registered participants will be notified of cancellation or changes via text and/or email.
Ends