Coastguard Hawke's Bay boost training ahead of busy summer for boaties

Coastguard Hawke's Bay skipper Henry van Tuel said a recent increase in callouts suggests a busy summer is ahead. Photo / File

The Hawke's Bay Coastguard has ramped up its recovery training ahead of an expected busy season.

A total of 10 Coastguard Hawke's Bay trainees took to the Westshore water aboard their rescue vessel Celia Knowles Rescue over the weekend for training in how to recover a person safely from the water.

The training used three methods – a recovery net, over the stern and via a davit crane.
Coastguard Hawke's Bay skipper Henry van Tuel said the training exercise was timely, with callouts expected to increase significantly over the summer months.

"We are already seeing a lot more boats on the water than previous years and it's only going to get busier," he said.

Van Tuel said the increased sea activity is likely down to the very low level of international travel.

"It may be because some people aren't spending money on overseas travel, so are buying boats" he said.

"A boatbuilder told me recently he only has two more slots for building boats through until April next year. It's like Kiwis have gone a bit mad with buying boats and hitting the water."

The recent training will be followed by a night-time search-and-rescue training session on Wednesday, while additional towing practice will soon be conducted after a number of recent incidents.

From November 13 to November 17, the region's coastguard team assisted with four rescues of differing levels of severity.

On Friday, November 13, the coastguard conducted a tow off Bayview after a boat's engine failed.

The following day, police received a report regarding concerns for two kayaks and a jetski off the coast of Clive.

Coastguard conducted a search of the area and located two swimmers, accompanied by two kayaks and a jetski. All parties were confirmed to be safe.

On November 15, a vessel with electrical failure was towed back to shore.

Van Tuel said all the assists involved people who held Coastguard memberships, meaning they were free, instead of being charged at a rate of $280 per hour.

Last Tuesday, the coastguard received a call from police regarding a person waving for help off the coast of Haumoana.

A person in a small aluminium dinghy was declared "okay" by the team.