In an attempt to promote safer boating, 8 people in Hawke’s Bay have become the first to receive fines for not wearing life jackets.
Boating safety regulations state that life jackets are to be worn by every passenger on board a vessel up to 6m long.
The fine received for not wearing a life jacket whilst boating is $300.
The Hawke’s Bay Harbour master, Mr Norman, said that the people fined were seen putting their life jackets on only as they entered the harbour in the hope to not get caught.
However Mr Norman insists that he does not want the safe record Hawke’s Bay has to be ruined by irresponsible behaviour.
He promises that he will be handing out more fines to those who do not comply with boating safety regulations.
Article written by D Mulhern
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