A family with a cavalier attitude to boating safety stunned officials by twice attempting to go out on the water without lifejackets.
Western Bay of Plenty search and rescue co-ordinator Craig Madden said most people checked during the weekend water safety campaign had been exceptional. He was disappointed by one family
who "had a poor attitude".
The family told officers at Fert Works behind the Bridge Marina that they had forgotten their lifejackets and would return home to get them. Soon after, the same family arrived at Pilot Bay without jackets hoping to set sail.
Mr Madden said this was "extremely irresponsible". It was the skipper's responsibility to ensure safety equipment was available for all people on board.
"Under the Bylaws Act the skipper can be fined. He could also be charged and in serious cases, the skipper could even face imprisonment," Mr Madden said.
Three marinas in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui were targeted by the harbour master, Tauranga Coastguard and the police in Saturday's water safety campaign.
Western Bay of Plenty harbour master Jennifer Roberts said the majority of people approached at Sulphur Point, Fert Works and Pilot Bay knew about water safety.
Volunteers from Tauranga Coastguard checked boats on Saturday to ensure they had essential equipment, like life jackets and radios.
Tauranga Coastguard operations manager Simon Barker was pleased that most of those using the Sulphur Point marina were members of the coastguard.
Police were enforcing safe towing practices and informing boaties on how to reduce the risk of theft of personal belongings.
Mr Madden said police were taking a harder stance on marine safety this summer and would issue fines instead of giving out warnings.
"It doesn't matter how far you go out into the harbour, whether it's 10 metres on 500 metres, you can still get into trouble and need rescue.
"Many people don't know there is a penalty [for not having a lifejacket] but people have to be accountable for their actions," he said.
