Environment Southland’s maritime team has joined forces with ACC to help Southern boaties stay safe on the water this summer with a mobile lifejacket library.

Regional Harbourmaster Lyndon Cleaver said Southland is the first to launch a mobile lifejacket library.

Other communities ACC has worked with have chosen to install fixed life jacket libraries.

“We are looking at fixed position libraries, but in the meantime have opted to trial a mobile lifejacket library over the summer until locations for fixed lifejacket libraries are confirmed. 

“Southern boaties are spoilt for choice, they’ve got inland lakes and rivers, as well as coastal waters to explore. 

The most popular boating spot on any given day depends on the forecast – it can be miserable in Fiordland – and beautiful in the Catlins.”

“Ahead of Christmas our team and the lifejacket library will be at boat ramps around the coast including Bluff, Riverton and on the lower Oreti River.

Over the Christmas/New Year period we’ll be in the Te Anau/Manapouri areas – depending on the sensational Southland summer of course.”

The lifejackets are free to borrow and must be returned in good condition as arranged with the Harbourmaster team. The library comprises of 20 lifejackets, available in various sizes, catering from toddlers to adults.

In Southern waters it’s compulsory for everyone in vessels of six metres or under to wear a lifejacket whether that is in coastal or inland waters – and that includes dinghies and kayaks.

“If you’ve got friends or family staying, you might be caught out with the wrong sized lifejackets. This initiative can help ensure everyone can get out and enjoy a day on the water,” Cleaver said.

Follow your local community pages and Environment Southland on Facebook or download Antenno and put in your favourite boating locations to get updates on where the harbourmaster team are each day or phone us 0800 76 88 45.