Maritime adventurers urged to check weather forecasts
Wellington Police?s Maritime Unit is urging all water recreation enthusiasts to check the weather forecast before setting out to see after 17 rescues in the first 12 days of the New Year. Sergeant Dave Houston says it has been a busy time for police and coastguard staff with rescues including towing broken down or sinking craft, recovering tired swimmers, searching for missing divers, retrieving kayakers and helping people battle the wind in an inflatable raft. ?It is really important that everyone checks weather forecasts before they stick their toes and craft in the water,? Sergeant Houston says. ?If the conditions sound bad they will be bad so don?t risk your life or those of your friends.? Boaties should carry a marine VHF radio with them as this helps ensure a quick rescue if things do go wrong. Divers are also reminded to use the orange safety sausage if they strike trouble, and for dive boats to fly the Alpha dive flag alerting other craft that dicers are in the area.
