PFD's for all Paddlers in Wellington.

We've had a few whoopsies with a Fishermen drowning only 50 metres from shore in Wellington Harbour other fishermen getting into trouble Waka Ama also and now Rowers getting into spots of bother, these are all near misses regardless of how competent we all think we are at getting out of said situations.

View the latest red flag to all the Authorities below:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/7694140/Girl-swims-200m-for-help-after-engine-fails

Four Times Olympic Gold medalist Ian Ferguson (pictured) always wears a buoyancy vest (PFD) when he races with us in Wellington (click on photos to enlarge)

The Harbour Police and also the Greater Wellington Regional Council Harbour Department are going to be scrutinising kayakers and all watersports groups and individuals activities even more now. They have been warning us all for the last 3 plus years with articles in many newspapers.

The Greater Wellington Regional Council Harbours Department under current legislation do have the power to fine water users who fail to comply with the bylaw with $100 fines...........they have been very generous till now.............not to do this on many occassions.

For anyone Organising a Watersports event and not advertising and also briefing particpants to wear a Buoyancy Vest (PFD) is not a great thing in my opinion.

Simple rule this Season:

Buoyancy Vests...............preferably Worn.......... but can be carried, must be secure in/on your craft, quickly and easily released..........only workable if your craft is within arms reach at all times, and it doesn't blow away or sink (with the carry method).

Leg leashes are also a good 2nd option for many surf skis, SUP's and Waka Ama and recreational sit on tops.
We ourselves have been little too generous, with not policing PFD's further than just the event flyers and some times not mentioning them in briefings.
Forgetting a vest or leg leash shouldn't be used as an excuse anymore................don't allow any paddler to enter your event without them.


Time for everyone to start beating to the same drum or paddling with the current.
If we all don't lead by example, every child or water user thinks if they don't why should we.
Set an example for everyone in our Commmunity