Kāpiti boaties will be taking to the water in big numbers as the weather warms and calms through spring and summer and the message is out – be safe.
Greater Wellington Regional Council is working with Maritime NZ, Coastguard and others to promote some key safety messages during Safer Boating Week which runs 17-24 October.
Life jackets do not last forever, the foam and fabric deteriorates over time, so as part of the Safer Boating program the regional council is urging boaties to get their lifejackets out and check them for proper fit and signs of aging, such as fading or tears before they head to the beach. This weekend the Regional Council’s Harbours staff are offering free buoyancy tests and can give advice on how to check and maintain inflatable jackets.
So drag out the boat, give it a good going over before summer, and take your lifejackets to Mana Cruising Club launching ramp on Saturday 18th or the Wellington Coastguard building, near the public launching ramp in Evans Bay, on Sunday 19th. Harbours staff will be there between 11am and 1 pm on both days.
More information is available www.gw.govt.nz or see the Coastguard Boating Education website www.boatingeducation.org.nz
For more information, a boating safety pack or any other enquires about safety on the water contact us, office hours 04 830 4160 or email [email protected]
