OUR VIEW: Boaties' safety in own hands

1st December 2009

With summer now officially under way, and increasing numbers of amateur boaties preparing to get out on the water, last night's sinking on the Maketu bar is a reminder to never underestimate the danger posed by the ocean.

A recent blitz at three marinas in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui saw police and coastguard checking boats for basic safety equipment such as life jackets and radios.

In one instance a whole family arrived, planning to set sail without life jackets.

The decision to behave irresponsibly with one's own life is bad enough but to put family members in jeopardy by not providing survival equipment is mind-boggling.

Such people, when it all goes wrong, are fortunate to be able to fall back on the hard-working volunteers of the coastguard and other emergency staff who will drop everything to come to their aid. But even then there is no guarantee that rescue will reach a stricken boat in time and so it is the responsibility of each individual to make sure they have all eventualities covered before leaving the boat ramp or marina.

Last night's rescue drama saved the life of a boatie who had embarked on a fishing trip in a vessel with no lights, no radio or cellphone and little emergency gear.

When his boat hit the bar and capsized, eight of the good folks of the Maketu Coastguard got out of their beds in the early hours of the morning to rescue the man and help him recover his boat.

These volunteers do amazing work, funded entirely by membership subscriptions and sponsors. Despite receiving no pay for their efforts, coastguard volunteers undergo extensive training to become crew members on search and rescue boats, or the all-important radio operators.

Boaties everywhere owe them a vote of thanks for their level heads in emergencies and their role in education and prevention before disasters occur.

Let's hope those volunteers on our Bay of Plenty coast enjoy a quiet summer free of marine tragedies. By taking care of their own safety, boaties can help this to happen.

- Laura Franklin, editor