Aotearoa, August 28 2025 - Spring is almost here, the days are getting longer, and for many Kiwis, that means more time out on the water. But before you head off for a day’s boating, Coastguard and the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC) are reminding boaties to be prepared for one of the trickiest - and most dangerous - parts of the trip: crossing the bar.
According to Water Safety New Zealand, while preventable drownings fell to 72 in 2024 (down from 90 in 2023), fatalities involving powered craft rose to 21% of all cases, with 18 lives lost - many in tidal waters or during bar crossings. Over half occurred close to shore, including five capsizes on bars. On 7 February this year, Coastguard’s National Operations Centre logged a record 753 bar crossing reports in a single day - showing just how many of us take on these challenges.
In response, the free Coastguard Bar Awareness Roadshow is returning September through to the end of the year, visiting more than 30 boating communities and local clubs across Aotearoa, alongside NZSFC. Last year, 2,175 people attended the seminars - more than four times the number in 2023 - and this year, Coastguard and NZSFC are aiming even higher, because they know knowledge saves lives.
Simon Marshall, Bar Awareness Programme Lead and Coastguard volunteer, says:
“We’re really looking forward to getting back out into communities across the motu, sharing practical advice to help people make good decisions when crossing bars. It’s great to have the support of our local Coastguard volunteers and NZSFC members again - they know their bars inside out and bring that local knowledge that makes all the difference.”
Mike Plant, New Zealand Sports Fishing Council, says: "Too many boating tragedies happen in the waters we think we know best, with most incidents occurring within just 400m offshore. That is why the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council’s Hooked on Safety campaign sees clubs once again partnering with Coastguard to take bar awareness education directly into local communities."
At each seminar, participants will learn critical safety practices for bar crossings, how to read the bar and assess conditions, when it’s safe to go, how to log a bar crossing report with Coastguard, and benefit from the knowledge of local Coastguard volunteers and fellow boaties.
Coastguard also offers a range of videos for those keen to upskill, including bar-specific guides for Kaipara, Port Waikato, and Manukau, plus tutorials on logging a Bar Crossing Trip Report and maintaining inflatable lifejackets, all available on Coastguard’s YouTube channel.
The full seminar schedule can be found here: Bar Awareness Roadshow | Humanitix
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About Coastguard Tautiaki Moana
Coastguard is a charity powered by over 2,000 volunteers in communities across Aotearoa New Zealand - supporting all water enthusiasts, from boaties and kayakers to paddleboarders. Coastguard volunteers crew rescue vessels, fly search aircraft, and are the ears and voice at the end of the radio. They’ve been dedicated to saving lives for over 150 years.
As a charity, Coastguard relies on community support, with 60% of its operating income coming from donations, membership, sponsorship, and grants. The remaining 40% is funded by central government.
About New Zealand Sport Fishing Council
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC) represents over 37,000 passionate anglers across 50 clubs nationwide. As a leading voice for recreational fishing, the NZSFC advocates for sustainable fishing practices, marine conservation, and the well-being of New Zealand’s fishing communities. Partnering with Coastguard for the Bar Awareness initiative aligns with our commitment to ensuring the safety of our members and all Kiwis who enjoy the water. By educating boaties on the risks and best practices of bar crossings, we aim to reduce incidents and foster a culture of safety and responsibility on our waters.
