As part of Safer Boating Week (October 21-27), the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is working with Safer Boating Forum partners to ensure every recreational craft user puts steps in place this year to make sure they return home safely from their time on the water with good memories and maybe a couple of fish — not injuries or fatalities.
Last year, the ACC accepted 410 water-related injuries involving recreational boats in the Otago region, costing taxpayers $996,429 to help people recover; and 78 were accepted in the Southland region, costing $193,398.
Nationwide last year, 4148 were accepted, costing $13.5m.
Maritime NZ’s research showed on average, 18 people died every year in recreational craft incidents.
As of October 15 this year, there have been 10 separate events across the country where 14 people have died or gone missing — including a handful of people in Otago and Southland.
The most recent fatality happened yesterday morning in Manukau Harbour.
Six other people were recovered from the water and were being treated by ambulance staff.
ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said they were sobering statistics that the Safer Boating Forum and members were dedicated to bringing down.
Through Maritime NZ’s community grant funding, organisations all over the country were running programmes to reduce instances of harm, he said.
"In the past two years, we saw fatal incidents occurring on power boats, dinghies, kayaks and jetskis, and it’s important a targeted approach is taken to preventing harm on recreational crafts."
Maritime NZ recreational craft harm prevention lead Victoria Slade said almost all the fatal incidents last year occurred one nautical mile from shore, or on lakes or rivers.
"It doesn’t matter whether you’re close to shore, tragedy can strike anywhere.
"That’s why it’s critical to prepare before heading out on to the water.
"If you’re planning to head out on the water, make sure to check the marine weather forecast, take two forms of waterproof communication to call for help, and always wear a properly-fitting lifejacket," Ms Slade said.
Mr Whitaker said January was consistently the time when the largest number of water-related injuries on recreational craft occurred, with 1066 injuries this year alone.
He said Safer Boating Week was an opportunity to be more mindful of the risks in and around the water.
"A drowning is a devastating event for any whānau and community, and our hearts go out to every family who has lost a loved one.
"Most of these tragic drownings are preventable if we take the time to consider the risks.
"We all need to be well informed about the risks, understand what can go wrong, so we come home safe to our loved ones."
