The Nelson and Tasman council Harbourmasters as well as teams from our port and marina linked up with our Coastguard, surf lifesaving club, police and others at the weekend to encourage safe enjoyment of the water over summer.
Our region is a mecca for water activities with our gorgeous beaches such as Kaiteriteri and Tāhunanui, fishing in Tasman Bay and the Marlborough Sounds, sightseeing in the Abel Tasman and Nelson Lakes national parks, kayaking on the Buller and Motueka rivers and beaut swimming spots such as the Sunday, Dennes, Girlies and Black holes in Nelson and the Lee Valley and Paines Ford in Tasman.
We want to maximise the enjoyment and minimise the risks. NZ has one of the highest rates of drownings with 78 deaths last year and 71 so far this year. The most vulnerable groups are men, who make up 80% of fatalities, and children under 4, who are at most risk around home pools.
Lifejackets are compulsory this summer for recreational craft 6m or less in length under a new law that was passed by Parliament in September. It applies to power boats, dinghies, kayaks, jet skis and sail boats when the craft is underway.
I love the community effort that goes into helping people enjoy the water safely from organisations such as our swimming, rowing, yachting, waka ama, kayaking, SUP (stand up paddleboard), canoeing and kite surfing clubs and our Iron Duke Sea Scouts, Coastguard and surf lifesaving club. I encourage recreational boaties to join Coastguard NZ, invest in an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) and take particular care around our busy port in respecting exclusion zones.
Council is investing in improved facilities to strengthen our connections with the sea at our marina and beach. The new Nelson Surf Life Saving Club facility at Tāhunanui Beach, being funded about a third each by Council, Government and fundraising, had its site blessed last month and construction is getting underway. We have just concluded consultation on the draft Masterplan for the Nelson Haven Waterfront that includes better access for swimming and small craft.
Huge thanks to all who help us enjoy the water safely.
