Prep your boat, check your gear, know the rules

Prep you boat, check your gear and know the rules. Photo/File

Safer Boating Week pushes off today promoting a simple message that may save lives this summer.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Fish & Game, Telfer Marine, and Coastguard are joining forces to kick off Safer Boating Week in Rotorua and are hoping to raise some money for the charity who save lives at sea.

Senior Maritime Officer Ross Powell said this summer the maritime team will be promoting three simple messages that will save lives; prep you boat, check your gear and know the rules.

"As always, before you hit the water check the marine weather tide forecast and always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back", he said.

Safer Boating Week kicks off tomorrow at the Village Green 9am - 4pm where there will be prizes, giveaways, a sausage sizzle and a prize draw for a three person sea biscuit dubbed a Test Pilot Torpedo and lifejacket worth more than $500.

Thousands of boats take to Bay of Plenty waterways every summer with the traditional start of the recreational boating season at Labour Day weekend. The regional council believe it's a great opportunity to remind boaties to dust of the safety gear and ensure it's all in working order.

Safer boating tips include preparing your boat - service your engine, check and change the fuel, check the battery, and generally give the boat a good once over.

Check your gear - make sure your lifejackets are still fit for purpose and you have enough, service any inflatable lifejackets and ensure you have two reliable forms of communication equipment that will work when wet.

Know the rules - ensure you know the rules of the road on the water for Bay of Plenty.