A Hawke's Bay radio station is urging listeners to be water wise this summer.
Hawke's Bay community radio has teamed up with sports and maritime groups to spread the word about safety on the water.
Franki James, who will present the series on Radio Kidnappers, said the start time was timed to coincide with Safer Boating Week (October 16-23) and the concept was a
simple yet determined one: "Being water wise can help save lives."
Maritime New Zealand, Coastguard NZ, the Hawke's Bay Regional Council's harbourmaster, Sport Hawke's Bay and Water Safety NZ had all got behind the new safety series.
"They are aimed at each and every one of us who goes anywhere near the water this summer - be it down to the sea, one of our lakes or rivers, the local swimming baths or even the pool in your own backyard," Ms James said.
As of mid-September, there had been 68 drownings nationwide so far this year - 14 more than the same time last year. Six had been in Hawke's Bay.
