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Coastguard New Zealand says its volunteers have had a steady start to the summer season, with a similar number of calls for assistance compared with the same period last year.

Coastguard Rotorua Lakes work on rescue training

Over the period from 1 December 2009 to 17 January 2010, Coastguard volunteers dealt with 869 incidents, including search and rescue operations, compared with 871 during the same period in 2009.

Coastguard CEO Bruce Reid says, “It’s been a busy start to the holiday season, with good weather meaning many Kiwis have been taking the opportunity to get out onto the water; however this hasn’t been reflected by an increase in Coastguard activity.”

Baz Kirk, Operations Manager for Coastguard Eastern Region, agrees. “It’s been one of the busiest summers I’ve seen in years, but calls for help have remained steady. This time last year we were dealing with capsizes, injuries and some major searches, so our volunteers have enjoyed only having to deal with minor incidents.”

It has been a relief to see the fatal start to last year not repeated in 2010, with one boating-related death this year compared to six in January 2009.

“The investment in education and public awareness by Coastguard and others in the sector appears to be paying dividends,” Reid says, “though we can’t get complacent and need to ensure that all those heading out.  

However Coastguard crews are reporting an increased number of calls for assistance due to mechanical failures. “More than 40% of incidents attended nationwide have been due to mechanical issues that could potentially have been avoided,” Reid says.

“We urge boaties to give their vessel a simple ‘warrant of fitness’-style check before heading out on the water. Simply download the one-page ‘Boating Safety Guide’ and identify, then rectify, any risks before you leave shore.”
 
Coastguard tips for safe boating

1. Check your boat using the Coastguard Boating Safety Guide on our site.
2. Tell people of your intentions - lodge a trip report with your local Coastguard VHF Radio station.
3. Take a correct size and type of lifejacket for each person and for the type of activity you are undertaking.
4. Take at least two water-proof methods of communication – the primary method is VHF marine radio.  Secondary is a cell phone – always put your cell phone in a zip-lock bag; if you can’t call us, we can’t rescue you. Other options include flares and personal locator beacons.
5. Get a marine weather forecast before you go boating and keep yourself up to date during the day with the Coastguard Nowcasting on VHF– the weather can change quickly at sea.
6. Ensure your vessel carries the correct and appropriate safety equipment (e.g. flares, EPIRB, VHF radio, First Aid Kit).