‘Behaviour like this is idiotic’: Boaties flout rules

Sumner Lifeboat. Photo: Supplied

Concerns are mounting over boaties who have been flouting rules in Sumner Bay.

In Canterbury, bylaws are regulated by Environment Canterbury with recreational boating activities overseen by the Harbourmaster’s Office.

Bylaws include the requirement to wear personal flotation devices such as life jackets having someone in charge of the vessel and sticking to speed limits, among other things.

ECan’s navigation safety officer Gordon McKay said since the start of alert level 2, the office has observed several breaches which have “compromised not only individuals own safety, but that of others on the water.”

He said the bylaws exist to ensure the safety of all water users and to reduce conflicts between the different water-based activities in an area.

“[They] apply whether you are on a lake, river or the sea and regardless of whether you are swimming, jet skiing, kayaking or taking part in any other water activities.”

The Sumner Lifeboat was recently called to assist three people in an inflatable boat 100m off Boulder Bay.

The engine on the boat had stopped and one of the occupants was trying to swim to shore towing the boat behind him – none were wearing lifejackets.

Said McKay: “Behaviour like this is idiotic. It puts the lives of the people on board at risk, and wastes emergency services time.”

Sumner Lifeboat Station. Photo: Geoff Sloan

McKay said the Harbourmaster’s Office has observed numerous instances of unlawful activity including jet skis jumping waves and towing in foiling surfboards in reserved areas of Sumner Bay.

“This area is dedicated specifically to swimmers, windsurfers, sailboarders, kitesurfers and the like. Power-driven vessels are prohibited.”

He said 10 reports of such behaviour are currently being looked into by the Harbourmaster’s Office.

“Another issue we are concerned about is speed. [It] should normally be kept below five knots when transiting the reserved area to or from the boat ramp.”

Sumner Lifeboat crew member Howard Nicholls said people need to be aware of safe boating guidelines.

“There’s a reason for the regulations, it’s to help make sure people stay safe.”

He said additional to the actual bylaws, people should give consideration to other things that will help improve safety like having a cellphone that will function if it gets wet and having extra navigation measures for when it’s dark.