New target message for Safer Boating Week

Bay of Plenty Harbourmaster Peter Buell says boaties need at least two reliable ways to call for help that will work when wet. Photo/File

Boaties are being reminded to always have two reliable ways to call for help ahead of Safer Boating Week, which starts tomorrow.

There will be boat ramp workshops all week up until October 20 and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council will be reinforcing the message: If you can't call for help, you can't be rescued.

It said only 38 per cent of boaties take two waterproof ways to call for help and the most common device taken is a cellphone.

Bay of Plenty harbourmaster Peter Buell said Safer Boating Week had previously focused on lifejackets.

"Lifejackets and waterproof communications work together. A lifejacket helps you float and they have saved many lives, but if you can't call for help then there's no way to know you need rescuing."

He said people need at least two reliable ways to call for help that will work when wet - whether it is a marine VHF radio or a cellphone in a waterproof bag.

"It's not good enough to simply chuck your cell in your pocket and hope for the best.

"We can't over-emphasise the importance of carrying waterproof communications."

The council workshops (weather dependent) will take place at:

-Sulphur Point boat ramp in Tauranga between 8am-2pm on October 14 and 19.
-Whakatane boat ramp, mid-morning on October 15.
-Bowentown and Omokoroa boat ramps, mid-morning on October 21.

You can find more information about safer boating at www.saferboating.org.nz and on the Safer Boating NZ Facebook page.