Wellington Police jump to support Safer Boating Week 2016

The winter temperatures aren’t quite over but this Friday, Wellington Police will be jumping at the opportunity to encourage safer boating this summer.

In full uniform Senior Sergeant Dave Houston of the Wellington Police Maritime Unit will be jumping off the wharf into the cold waters of Wellington Harbour in support of Safer Boating Week.

The key message of the week, which runs from Friday 14th October to Friday 21st October 2016, is prep, check, know.

“That is prep your boat, check your gear and know the rules before you go boating,” says Mr Houston.

“Check your equipment is all in working order before you go near the water.

Lifejackets don’t last forever; they need regular servicing and should be checked before going out on each voyage.

For the first time, Mr Houston and four others will be carrying, not wearing, their lifejackets when they jump into Wellington Wharf.

They will then have to try and put them on in the water.

“This highlights the need to wear your lifejacket the whole time you are out on a boat.

In a stressful situation, trying to navigate putting a lifejacket on can put you into even more danger,” says Mr Houston.

“Lifejackets should also be well-fitted, which may mean young children need a child-size lifejacket.

“Wearing a lifejacket is the single most important thing you can do to avoid tragedy if you accidentally end up in the water.”

Mr Houston reminds skippers that they are responsible for the safety of everyone on board and should keep someone on land informed of their whereabouts.

“It’s frustrating to see inexperienced boaties going to remote or exposed areas of water.

Those without the experience should attend a reliable course and stick to sheltered areas of the coast.

“Be a responsible skipper and everyone should make it home safely at the end of a beautiful day on the water.”

The five key points of the Boating Safety Code are:

- Wear your life jacket
- Be a responsible skipper
- Check your communications
- Check the marine weather forecast
- Avoid alcohol

The wharf jump will take place on Friday 14th October from 10:30am outside Shed 5 on the Queen’s Wharf.

For more information on Safer Boating Week, please visit saferboating.org.nz

Advice on recreational boat safety is available at maritimenz.govt.nz/recreational/

ENDS

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