Already this summer, our volunteers across the country have responded to a number of serious incidents at bar crossings. Boaties, if you're planning to cross a bar anywhere in New Zealand, please take five mins to watch this video and remember these key safety measures.

Before heading out:

• Seek local advice
• Check the weather forecast
• Check the tide – only cross a bar at high tide.
• Carry two forms of waterproof communication
• Wear your lifejacket
• File a trip report with Coastguard over VHF, *500, or the Coastguard App

Once you get to the bar:

• Stop and observe the bar
• Tie down any loose equipment & close all hatches
• Brief your crew
• Make a Bar Crossing Report with Coastguard via VHF, or call *500
• Get a VHF & PLB in a crew member’s hand in case anything goes wrong
• If in doubt – don’t go out
• Once you’ve crossed, close your Bar Crossing Report with Coastguard.

If you need to scrub up on your skills, find your nearest boating course at - https://www.boatingeducation.org.nz/

Find our full boaties’ checklist and a range of how-to guides at - https://www.boatiesbestmate.nz/