Photo: 123RF
The Bay of Plenty harbor master says a disappointing number of pleasure boats are speeding and not wearing life jackets.
In the past two and a half months, patrols have issued 345 breach warnings.
Harbor Master Jon Jon Peters has said the biggest culprits are powerboat and jet ski users.
He said two-thirds of speeding tickets were committed by people on jet skis.
Not only this, but an increasing number of kayak and paddleboard users also do not carry a life jacket.
Of the 86 life jacket breaches, 22 were kyakers and 17 paddleboarders.
“The stark reality is that last year we had two people drown on the Rotorua lakes who were in kayaks and not wearing life jackets,” Peters said.
He said those using craft on the water could get $200 for breaking the rules.
Despite this, Peters said it was great to see most of the boats adhering to the rules and being good to deal with.
