Flippers important for safety

Flippers are an important item to have in deep water.

Parents buying boogie boards for their children should also reach for a pair of flippers, says Westshore's Surf Life Saving club captain.

Brian Quirk said using flippers or fins while boogie boarding is the most important thing people need to remember when using the toys.

"If they are going to use them in water they cannot stand up in, they need to have fins," he said.

He also said leashes on cheaper boards could snap in rough water, leaving swimmers stranded.

"If people are going to use them further off the shore in fairly big surf, they should have a far better quality leash on them."

After a disappointing seven drownings this holiday period, water safety officials say more could be done to educate the public. Surf lifesaving club captains said too many people do not realise fins or flippers need to be used with boogie boards in deeper water.

They said people, especially children, can quickly get into trouble without fins to help propel them back to the shallows.

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Matt Claridge said boogie boards should carry safety instructions so people know how to use them properly.

"All toys that can be used in the water should carry information that relates to the safe use and enjoyment of them," he said.

Mr Claridge said there is a personal responsibility to keep yourself and your children safe when using boogie boards.

"They are good toys for enjoyment in the water when used responsibly."

Currently, this newspaper found boogie boards for sale from The Warehouse which provide no safety information or guidelines for use.

The Warehouse spokeswoman Julia Bell said the retailer made sure to comply with New Zealand's safety laws and regulations.

"As a customer-led business, the safety of our customers is a top priority for us," she said.

NZME.