The Northland Coastguard has over 1000 volunteers who provide safety and educational services. Their key message is, always wear a life jacket.
According to Northland Coastguard manager David Tommas, “A life jacket costs around $130. It's the best investment. It'll keep you alive in difficult circumstances and make all the difference if you need to be rescued.”
However many people are ignoring simple safety codes that save lives.
Last year the Northland Coastguard responded to almost 3000 emergency call outs, and in the past week alone, four people have died at sea.
Coastguard believes a key objective is educating the community about safety codes for being on the water.