Thanks to preparation he has never found himself in trouble but has had to tow out those who have. Safer Boating Week runs aims to focus boaties' attention on ensuring they are ready to safely enjoy the summer boating season.
"We know that on average two-thirds of the people who die in boating accidents could have been saved if they wore a lifejacket. In New Zealand, where on average 15 people die in boating accidents every year, this translates to 10 people a year whose lives could have been saved," Maritime New Zealand director Keith Manch said.
"New Zealanders love the water and the number of boaties has increased with around a third of us going out on boats - so we all need to take boating safety seriously."
Senior Sergeant Dave Houston from the Wellington Police Maritime Unit said during the summer they responded to numerous incidents involving those who were simply unprepared.
"All too often police are called out to help those who have not taken basic precautions to keep themselves safe on the water."