Preparation is the key

Tauranga, August 17, 2017 – Waihi Beach boaties are being reminded preparation is the key to a successful and safe run on the water this 2017-18 summer season.

With warmer temperatures and the boating season fast approaching, Waihi Beach Coastguard has a simple summer-safety checklist they encourage boaties to tick off before launching on the water.

Waihi Beach Coastguard spokesperson Jim Pooley says Labour Weekend often marks the start of the summer season, with many people getting out on the water to take advantage of the extra day off work and longer hours of daylight.

“As we head into summer and Labour Weekend, this is the opportune time to start thinking about summer safety equipment to ensure everyone is safe on the water,” says Jim.

“A boat requires maintenance throughout the year, but if you have neglected your vessel over winter it needs to be checked thoroughly before heading out on the water.”

There are five points on Waihi Beach Coastguard’s summer-safety checklist;
• Check the expiry dates on flares.
• Check the expiry dates on Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB).
• Ensure lifejackets are in good nick and the stitching is secure.
• Ensure inflatable lifejackets are in good nick and cylinders should be checked.
• The boat has a functioning VHF Radio.
Jim also reminds boaties that:
• EPIRBs also have a test function which most people aren’t aware of;
• Lifejackets should be aired out as more often than not they have been left up the front of the boat during winter and could be damp and mouldy, and;
• A test call to coastguard is done on the VHF radio to make sure it is working and you have reception.  

Skippers are recommended to have boat engines serviced at least once a year. Batteries, fuel lines, oil, propellers, water pumps and other hardware should be more frequently checked.

The Waihi Beach community swells from 2700 permanent residents to an estimated 25,000-30,000 each summer - which is why Coastguard and its volunteers are advocating safe and enjoyable boating during the 2017-18 summer season.

“There are many simple things boaties can do in preparation for summer and we urge them to take the time to do so. Putting aside this time now means a stress-free summer for both the public and those volunteers who give up their time keeping the public safe on the water,” says Jim.   

The upcoming season will be the second in which Waihi Beach Coastguard has the benefit of its expanded fleet with the addition of ‘AVOCO Rescue’, a 5.8m Naiad-designed RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) powered by twin 115hp Yamaha outboards.

Sponsored by AVOCO, New Zealand’s largest avocado export group, the vessel replaces ‘Search Two’ and is part of AVOCO’s ongoing partnership, pledging an annual sponsorship contribution of $20,000 for three years.

This addition means Coastguard now has the capability to cover two completely different areas, with Gallagher Rescue overseeing the Bowentown Bar, one of the most notorious in New Zealand, and AVOCO Rescue protecting the channels and shallow areas of the Northern Tauranga Harbour.


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