The 111 Files: Follow safety rules on the water

Be careful in the water this summer.

With summer now upon us, the use and misuse of our lakes and waterways will increase significantly.

So it's timely to issue a reminder about the obligations and responsibilities of those using boats and other watercraft. Over the last few years there have been a number of deaths or near misses on our lakes. Some of those incidents have resulted in prosecutions under the criminal law.

When someone is killed on the water, the matter is also reviewed by the Coroner. Although this process offers little consolation to grieving families and friends, a Coroner's enquiry does provide an opportunity to learn about what might be done to prevent another tragedy.

Prevention is always a better option than searching for a cure, and it is with that thought in mind that I ask you to remember the following safety rules.

No alcohol

Don't drink and boat. Being in charge of a boat weighing several hundred kilograms while intoxicated is no different to being drunk behind the wheel of a car, and potentially just as lethal. It is a recipe for a disaster. Similarly, swimming when intoxicated is also very dangerous.

Be prepared

If you are heading out on the water, get your boat serviced before you head out. Most people wouldn't think of leaving their car parked up for six months and expect it to be all good. Nor should you expect your boat to be. If you don't get your boat checked, you could end up with the additional expense [and the embarrassment] of a Coastguard callout for assistance after breaking down. Breaking down in perfect conditions is inconvenient, in bad conditions it can be fatal. If you are going out on the water, make sure you know how to swim. Knowing how to swim could save your life and potentially someone else's.

Responsibility

It is the responsibility of a skipper on a boat to keep everyone safe. This means staying within your limits, and those of the boat.

Life jackets

Take them and wear them. The current law says you must have life jackets on your boat for everyone on board. The recommended practice is that you wear them as well! Things can happen very quickly and in an emergency you might not have time to put your life jacket on. Lives have been saved on the Rotorua lakes simply because people have been wearing their life jackets.

Communication

If you are going boating have at least two forms of communication. If you can't raise the alarm, who will know if you get into strife?

Be aware

Check the weather forecast. If in doubt, don't go out!
-Detective Sergeant John Wilson is officer in charge of Rotorua Search and Rescue.