Coastguard Rotorua offering women-only boating workshop to boost confidence on the water

'Suddenly in Charge' is a hands-on workshop offered by local Coastguard crew for local women, to build confidence, skills, and connection on the water. Photo / Coastguard

Women are being encouraged to step confidently into the skipper’s role through a new Coastguard workshop designed to prepare them for the unexpected on the water.

The ‘Suddenly in Charge’ programme is a hands-on course led by local Coastguard wāhine for women in Rotorua who want to feel more capable and prepared.

Coastguard Rotorua community engagement project lead Lisa Markwick said the workshop was designed to “give women the confidence” to take charge.

It focuses on real-life scenarios, asking participants to consider what to do if they suddenly had to take control of a vessel.

“Many Coastguard units have observed that women are more likely to take a back seat and don’t have the confidence to step up if needed,” Markwick said.

She told the Rotorua Daily Post as a “key boating and holiday destination” Rotorua saw a high number of families on the water.

“The majority of Coastguard callouts in the area involve families, commonly mum, dad, and children, where their boat has broken down.”

Markwick said that because women were often present during these callouts they may need to “step up” if the skipper was taken out of action.

“These situations can be stressful and dangerous without the right skills and confidence.”

The workshop will take place in Rotorua on April 21 at the Rotorua Water Sports Centre, and will be delivered by Coastguard Rotorua Lakes’ female crew.

Participants will learn practical skills and safety knowledge from handling emergencies to taking control of the vessel — in a supportive, women-only environment.

The workshop will be delivered by Coastguard Rotorua Lakes’ female crew. Photo / Coastguard

“A women-only environment helps remove pressure, encourages participation, and supports confidence-building.”

Markwick said there had been a shift in women taking up active roles on the water, and the Coastguard Rotorua Lakes unit had increased to 10 female volunteers.

“Boating has traditionally been male-dominated, which can make women hesitant to ask questions, or worry about being judged while learning new skills.”

The session is ideal for those who spend time on boats but are not usually at the helm, as well as anyone wanting to feel safer and more confident if things go wrong on the water.

“At its core, our mission is to help people in Aotearoa be safer on the water.”

‘Suddenly In Charge’ Rotorua Lakes

When: Tuesday, April 21, 6pm - 8pm

Where: Rotorua Water Sports Centre

Cost: Koha (Donation)

Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.