Operation Neptune in full swing for hot weekend finale

As Waikato Regional Council’s annual summer boat safety programme comes to an end this weekend, the weather looks to be a scorcher!

With soaring temperatures expected across the region, Waikato Regional Harbourmaster, Chris Bredenbeck expects our coast and waterways will be super busy with boaties, kayakers and swimmers.

The council’s Maritime Services’ Operation Neptune team will be out in force across popular coastal, lake and river boating areas to help everyone enjoy their time on the water and get home safe.

“Operation Neptune is about providing a proactive presence on the water, with the emphasis on boating safety and enforcement of boating rules,” says Chris.

Operation Neptune, held during the Christmas-New Year break, involves patrols across the region aboard nine vessels and runs from 26 December to 14 January. Twenty-five regional council staff are taking part in the operation, with staff who work in other areas of the council helping out the maritime services team.

Chris says so far this summer, Operation Neptune patrols have stopped over 500 vessels and detected more than 200 people who are breaching life jacket rules, speed rules or towing without observers.

“Unfortunately, these patrols have shown a significant lack of lifejackets among boaties on the water this summer.”

Deputy Harbourmaster Hayden Coburn says that they’ve seen a lot of vessels under 6 metres in length carrying people who aren’t wearing an appropriate personal flotation device (PFD).

“It’s very important to wear your PFDs onboard vessels that are 6 metres or less in size. So just remember skippers, the onus is on you to make sure that all the people onboard wear a PFD.”

Remember:

• If your boat is under 6m long, everyone onboard needs to be wearing a lifejacket that fits. A lifejacket should feel comfortably snug but not too tight.
• As a skipper, you are responsible for ensuring everyone onboard is wearing one. Failure to comply may result in a $200 fine.
• Learn more about the rules around lifejackets here: Lifejackets | Waikato Regional Council

Educating boaties about the importance of lifejackets isn’t the only thing Operation Neptune patrols have been busy with over the summer break – check out this special visit one of our teams had while patrolling near Hahei.

Although Operation Neptune ends on Sunday, Waikato Regional Council Maritime Services patrols will continue until the end of Easter.