Seventeen people have died in recreational boating accidents so far this year.
And there are some critical safety messages Maritime New Zealand wants Kiwis to be aware of this holiday season to avoid more deaths.
Around two million New Zealanders like to get out on the water and that makes us one of the most boat-loving nations in the world — in everything from kayaks, jet skis and dinghies, to bigger fishing boats.
But our “she’ll be right, mate” attitude is killing too many.
So, here are five statistics that tell us about who is getting caught out while on the water.
1. It’s a man problem
Data shows 81% of those who died in boating accidents last year were men.
And the average age was 52 years old.
Maritime New Zealand principal advisor Matt Wood told 1News that, “overwhelmingly, males are at greatest risk on the water… and these are often occurring in small craft close to shore where an unexpected capsize occurs.”
He said: “Males, like myself, do overestimate our ability and we underestimate the risk and that is why we are continuing to show in the stats.”
2. Look at the weather
Why are people getting caught out? Simply not checking the marine forecast before heading out.
Alarmingly, the research shows, of the fatal accidents, only 15% of boaties checked the marine forecast before they went out.
That means 85% did not bother to have a look the weather conditions.
Brett, a boatie 1News spoke to in Queenstown while on holiday from Christchurch, said that stat did not surprise him. “I thought it would be less because people are unprepared. [They] don’t think about it.”
Queenstown harbourmaster Ricky Campbell told 1News: “We find, on occasion, some people like to go right across the lake and they can be caught out by the weather. Weather is very important — preparation is critical.”
3. Lifejackets are still an issue
Just over 60% of people who died on the water were not wearing a lifejacket.
Additionally, many of those who were wearing one had some issue — either it was too old or too loose.
An Auckland boatie told 1News: “I think I do not wear my marine jacket to be honest. I’m always careful, it’s always next to me. There are always enough jackets for people with me on the boat. But yeah, I do not wear it, but it’s always within reach.”
4. Communication is key — communication is key
There are some tragic examples of people who would be alive today if they had been able to call for help.
Only 33% of people had evidence they carried at least one form of communication but, often, it was not waterproof.
Queenstown harbourmaster Ricky Campbell said: “We have a lot of passive users that find it’s a bit inconvenient carrying it but, at the end of the day, bad things happen to good people and we need to be prepared for that.”
The advice: Always have two forms of communications — such as a cellphone and a personal locator beacon.
5. Check your boat before heading out
That’s right. Check your vessel.
Almost 80% of boaties had hazards on the boat before the fatal accident — including problems with motors, propellers or steering, faulty batteries or low oil.
Matt Wood from Maritime New Zealand told 1News: “The actions people take on the land can be the difference between life and death on the water. We want boaties before they hit the water — every time before they go out — prep their boat. Make sure it’s seaworthy — good to go.
“We just want people to have fun out there. There’s nothing like being out on the water,” he said.
And a bonus statistic
Finally, the vast majority of accidents were within one nautical mile of the coastline — nowhere on the water is a place for complacency.
To summarise, the messages from officials are to wear a lifejacket; avoid alcohol; take at least two sources of waterproof communication; and check the marine weather forecast.
Don’t become another statistic.
