Six people are lucky to be alive after after two separate boating incidents at Raglan in three days.

The incidents have prompted a reminder from the Waikato Regional Harbourmaster of the importance of thoroughly checking marine weather, paying close attention to the swells, always having an experienced skipper when attempting a bar crossing, and of the importance of wearing life jackets.

The first incident occured on Thursday night when two people had to be rescued after the small boat they were in began taking on water before capsizing near Whale Bay.

Then, on Sunday, a small vessel was attempting to cross the bar when it capsized after facing large swells and waves.

Both incidents are currently under investigation, the first by Waikato Regional Council and Sunday’s incident by New Zealand Police.

Regional Harbourmaster Chris Bredenbeck said: “Bar crossings are the riskiest activity you can carry out on the water, with weather, current and tide conditions causing waves to break in an unpredictable pattern on and creating an unstable and hazardous environment.

“While all the circumstances of both incidents are being investigated, the weather conditions were such that there was a very high risk at the time.

“I want to acknowledge the immediate rescue work carried out by the volunteers of the Raglan Coastguard. If it wasn’t for those brave men and women, and some very good luck, this could easily have ended in tragedy.

“This is the fourth incident like this at Raglan this year. Skippers need to understand that it’s their responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers and to know the rules.”

You are obliged by law to wear a lifejacket at all times of heightened risk such as bar crossings, and at all times in vessels 6 metres or less while underway.

The best time to cross a bar is anytime within three hours before high tide. As a general rule, returning back over the bar is best up to three hours before and one hour after high tide. All other times should be avoided, and a bar should never be crossed at low tide or at night.

Mr Bredenbeck said boaties planning to undertake a bar crossing should:

• thoroughly check marine weather and pay close attention to the swells
• seek local knowledge before attempting to cross a bar
• secure loose gear and ensure everyone is wearing a securely fitted lifejacket
• always take two forms of waterproof communication so help can be sought if needed
• contact Coastguard on VHF to let them know your intentions to cross the bar and that you have made it across safely
• spend some time observing the bar before attempting to cross it.

Waikato Regional Council has links to bar cameras and safety videos which demonstrate how to navigate safely across a bar. Go to waikatoregion.govt.nz/safe-bar-crossings.

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