In addition to Search and Rescue, Coastguard promotes

water safety and boating education. In New Zealand, a

large number of people who enjoy water activities do not believe that something bad could ever happen to them out on the water. Often this is not the case and most of the work conducted by Coastguard is non emergency rescues, of people who have gone out ill prepared.

Coastguard encourages better education through completing a boating education course. You do not have to own a boat to participate in an education course, a love of the water and water activities is all the motivation you should need. By learning how to react in emergencies and taking the right precautions, you will be better prepared if an accident occurred and your chances of survival are much greater.

Coastguard recommends the following minimum safety requirements when planning a day out on the water:

1.Wear a life jacket or at least carry one for every person on the boat

2.Carry a flare kit and a distress sheet

3.Ensure the boat has an anchor, a bailer, a paddle, a waterproof torch, a first aid kit and a fire

extinguisher

4.Check that on board communications equipment is working, we recommend VHF Radio over

cellular phone

5.Carry sufficient fuel for the boating you plan to do

6.Check the weather before you head out

7.Tell some one where you are going and what time you will return (Call Coastguard Radio in your area)

Most of these products can be purchased through Hutchwilco, we highly recommend them.

To find out more about Coastguard Boating Education courses, visit the Coastguard Boating Education website.

Safe Boating

DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!