Safety on the water is at the forefront of the work our Harbourmaster team does around the District. Our Sentinel and Pūkāea vessels are a frequent sight for boaties from Nelson Lakes to Kahurangi Point.
Wherever you are, it is important to be mindful of the hazards and potential risks that can emerge and take the necessary precautions to ensure your time on the sea, lake or river is enjoyable.
Our water safety message goes beyond anything that you’re floating on – the changing nature of our coastal areas and rivers means even simple activities like fishing off the beach or riverbank require some thought to avoid possible harm or danger.
We recently had an incident near the Motueka River mouth where two people were swept along the river and were left clinging to a tree. Fortunately, the pair were spotted by a plane and subsequently rescued. However, it’s provided a timely reminder of why you should be prepared in any water environment.
Knowing the conditions and the tide changes is crucial, especially given Tasman has one of the largest tidal ranges in the country.
If operating around swift-moving water, personal floatation devices are a great idea. It is also important that someone knows where you are going, and make sure you are carrying effective waterproof communication.