Alert Level 2 – Back on the Water!

With Alert Level 2 coming into effect on Thursday 14 May 2020, boaties are allowed back on the water and surfing, swimming, kayaking etc. are permitted too.

Sumner Lifeboat crew will be on call 24×7, as they were throughout the COVID-19 lockdown. 

For boaties, there’s some prep you should do before setting out. Coastguard New Zealand have been issuing some valuable advice to help boaties get ready.

“With many boats having spent the last 7 weeks parked up in driveways and stationary in marinas, it pays to check your engines and replace old fuel with clean, fresh fuel,” says Coastguard CEO Callum Gillespie.

“Don’t forget to charge your batteries either. The AA had a record day of callouts after the lockdown, with 80 percent of those callouts for flat batteries that hadn’t been started for five weeks. The same can happen to your boat battery.”

Amongst all the excitement and anticipation of a return to our favourite playground, safety still needs to be top of mind for all boaties says Mr Gillespie.

“A lifejacket never ruined a day on the water so make sure you take them and wear them. Have two forms of waterproof communication with you and keep an eye on the local marine weather, you can do this quickly and easily on the free Coastguard app.”

While Coastguard volunteers have been on call over the last 7 weeks, attending 15 emergency responses during that time, all proactive patrolling was suspended throughout level 4 and 3.

“Our rescue vessel and air patrol crews have also spent the week preparing their vessels, air craft and equipment to ensure they are ready for all rescue eventualities over the coming days,” says Mr Gillespie. “We share the excitement of all boaties this week and our volunteers are also looking forward to getting back out on the water.”

For Coastguard’s full level 2 preparation checklist, including how-to videos, go to boatiesbestmate.nz.