Safer summer of boating in Nelson
Summer has arrived in Nelson, and with it comes the irresistible call of the water. From the shores of Tāhunanui to the sheltered coves of Cable Bay, locals and visitors alike are dusting off their paddleboards, kayaks, and boats, ready to make the most of our stunning coastline.
But as Nelson Harbourmaster Stu Whitehouse says, a great day on the water starts with being prepared.
“We are incredibly lucky to have such beautiful conditions for water activities in Nelson, but whether you're on a paddleboard, in a kayak, or captaining a vessel, safety is everyone's responsibility.”
Stu's message is straightforward: always wear a lifejacket, check the weather forecast, and carry a form of communication.
“These three simple steps can make all the difference. The water can change quickly, and being prepared means you can relax and enjoy your time out there.”
A helping hand for water safety
This summer, staying safe just got a whole lot easier. Thanks to Nelson City Council’s Harbours team and ACC, there's now a free Life Jacket Library at Cable Bay Holiday Park. Whether you're camping at the park or just popping in for the day, you can borrow a life jacket at no cost – no excuses!
The process couldn't be simpler: head to the holiday park reception, fill in a short form, and off you go. When you're done, just return the jacket for the next person. There's also a pop-up library at Tāhunanui Beach, bringing water safety right to where people need it most.
“We want to remove any barriers to water safety,” Stu says.
“With free life jackets available at these locations, there's really no reason not to wear one.”
Never too late to learn
For those wanting to build their confidence and skills on the water, Council is funding paddleboard safety sessions run by Toby at Moana in Tāhunanui. These sessions welcome everyone, from complete beginners to those looking to refresh their knowledge.
"Water safety can be learnt by everyone, and it's never too late, Stu says.
“These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to learn the skills that will keep you safe while having fun on the water.”
As Nelson heads into the heart of summer, enjoy everything our beautiful waters have to offer but do it safely.
“Your friends and whānau want to see you back on dry land with a smile on your face and great stories to tell,” he says.
Grab that lifejacket, check the forecast, pack your phone or radio, and get out there – the water is waiting!
