Summer is just around the corner and while there’s nothing better than a summer’s day spent on a boat, a great day can be quickly ruined by something going wrong and having no one there to help. Before you head out, make sure you follow some simple tips to keep safe.
A correctly-fitted lifejacket is your number one piece of safety equipment on any boat. There should be enough for every single person travelling on your vessel and they should be regularly checked and replaced after 10 years.
The next best thing you can do for your safety and wellbeing out on the water is become a Coastguard Member. No matter if you break down, get a flat battery, one of the kids get sick, or you run out of fuel – Coastguard volunteers will turn up and make sure you and your loved ones get home safely, free of charge. An individual Coastguard membership will give you piece of mind on any vessel, knowing that every time you set out to sea, Coastguard will have your back.
It’s also important to undertake some basic training by enrolling in a Coastguard Boating Education course. All new Coastguard Members receive a $100 discount off the popular Day Skipper course, putting you well on your way to being knowledgeable and confident out on the water. Coastguard Boating Education also offers the VHF Operators Certificate, a requirement for anyone with a VHF radio on board their boat, as well a whole range of other courses with options for classroom, home or online study available. New and existing Coastguard members get 15% off selected courses, for more information visit www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/.
With Membership and Education, Coastguard can ensure you know what to do to this summer to keep yourself and others safe, hit the website before you hit the water by going to www.boatiesbestmate.nz
