With Maritime NZ Security Week on the horizon, a free workshop about kayaking and small boat security is being held in Howick this Saturday.
Steve Cooper, president of the Kiwi Affiliation of Sea Kayakers (KASK), says the main target for this yr’s Safer Boating Week marketing campaign, from October 20-26, is on small unpowered craft.
“We’ll spotlight a key threat for small craft customers – ending up within the water from a dinghy and struggling to get again in, even with a lifejacket.
“The broader security theme is: ‘If you find yourself within the water, how ready are you?’”
Cooper says three core behaviours might be highlighted: Put on a appropriately fitted lifejacket; carry two types of waterproof communication; and verify and perceive the marine climate forecast earlier than and through journeys.
“KASK runs a collection of free workshops across the nation which we name KayakSafe, the main target being to tell individuals about what they want to pay attention to earlier than they get out on the water by way of the climate, the atmosphere normally and the tools they want.”
He says KASK’s first workshop for this upcoming summer time season is at Howick Library this Saturday, October 18, from 10am to lunchtime.
“That might be adopted by an on-the-water session at an area seaside if situations are appropriate.
“This isn’t to show the way to kayak, it’s instructing the way to keep secure by understanding the atmosphere and what package you must have, although in fact we’ll give suggestions and tips about kayaking fundamentals.”
Cooper says he’s additionally written a e book about sea kayaking security.
“It’s meant to be a complete take a look at the ocean kayaking atmosphere and the way to make sure you’ve got the right security tools obtainable.
“Understanding the climate, together with the way to learn and utilise forecasts and what it appears to be like like on the water, sea situations, water high quality and temperatures, currents, guidelines and laws, different water customers, indigenous wildlife points, the surf atmosphere, particular river hazards, chilly water hazards and far more.
“Workout routines and examples show you how to hone your abilities in deciphering the data and making the best choices,” Cooper says.
“Sea kayaking appears so secure and simple, but the rescue and casualty statistics inform a really totally different story.
“The primary cause individuals get into bother nearly all the time comes all the way down to lack of understanding.”
For extra details about and to register curiosity for the free KayakSafe workshop at Howick Library on Saturday, October 18, go to: https://kask.co.nz/kayaksafe-nz/.
