Summer boat ramp workshops

More than half of the population of New Zealand - around 2.25 million people - will spend some time on the water this year.

That’s according to research made available to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

This summer, more vessels will take to the water that ever before, with about 70,000 of them already in the Bay of Plenty. In the past few years there has also been a significant growth in the number of kayaks, jet-skis and paddleboards.   

Responding to the trends, the Regional Council’s Safer Boating Programme will once again be in full swing, educating current and future boaties at boat ramps, sport fishing clubs, colleges and schools across the region.

With six boating-related deaths in the region last year, they will also be reminding boaties at every opportunity to take all of the necessary safety precautions, says regional safer boating adviser Tony Pearce.

“Last season we taught safe boating at six colleges to more than 2000 students, delivered boat ramp workshops to more than 2000 boat owners, and promoted safe boating at a number of sport fishing clubs across the region,” says Tony. “This year we’ll do more.”

The initiative kicked off this year during Safer Boating week, from October 13-21, with boat ramp workshops at Sulphur Point and Bowentown.  

“You’ll see us at the boat ramps throughout the year, on Tauranga Harbour, at the Rotorua Lakes and in the Whakatane area too,” says Tony.

“We have lots of useful information on how to be safe on the water and understanding local boating rules, so make sure you pop over for a chat.  

“Top Catch have provided some fantastic fishing gear for a prize draw and there’s lots of free brochures and guides you could pick up – we’ll even show you how to check your manual inflating lifejacket.


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