Water safety officials are cracking down on recreational boaties who aren't complying with the rules.
A record 18 harbourmasters will be patrolling the waters this year for the 'No Excuses' campaign, to fine anyone not wearing a lifejacket, for example.
"The key thing for us is that it increases the number of people that are going to find that they've got consequences for their actions if they're not following the boating safety code," says Maritime New Zealand deputy director Sharyn Forsyth.
Infringement notices of up to $300 can be issued.
"We're going to keep making sure that people know that we're there to make sure lifejackets are on, people can call for help if necessary and skippers are responsible for everything that's happening on board their boat."
There have already been 17 deaths related to recreational boating this year. Most who die are men, despite only making up slightly more than half of all boaties.
"We'd like to make sure everyone gets to go home safe," says Forsyth, adding that research suggests two-thirds of recreational boatie deaths co will work side-by-side on at least five random days in each region over the summer months.
- Man drowns in Kawerau river after police chase
- Almost half of selfie-related deaths caused by drowning
The No Excuses campaign began in 2016.
Newshub.
