Coastguard launches initiatives to reduce bar crossing tragedies

Harbour and river bar crossings are some of the most dangerous for Kiwi boaties with Coastguard volunteers attending multiple incidents, including fatalities, every year.

Now the organisation, alongside New Zealand Sport Fishing Council and local fishing/boating clubs, is setting out to lower the rate, this month beginning a nationwide Bar Awareness Seminar Roadshow alongside a brand-new series of translated educational videos in seven languages. 

The free Bar Awareness Seminars are designed to equip boaties with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make good decisions about whether to cross a bar. The seminars cover critical topics, including understanding bar-specific hazards, assessing the impact of weather and tides, and implementing emergency procedures if trouble occurs. 

To further support boaties from diverse communities, Coastguard has released Bar Awareness education videos with translated subtitles into seven languages: te reo Māori, Chinese, Samoan, Tongan, Cook Island Māori, Fijian, and Thai. 

"Understanding the risks associated with crossing river and harbour bars is critical for anyone going out on the water. Things can happen even to the most experienced boatie, whether it’s their first or 100th time crossing," Community Engagement Manager Nātia Tucker said. 

"We know that bars change all the time, so our Bar Awareness Seminars and accompanying videos offer practical up to date advice from local volunteers and experts who cross these bars regularly." 

"As a Council of clubs, we are invested in making sure our club members make it home safely after a day on the water. That’s why we have teamed up with the Coastguard to rollout this program. Afterall, even the fish of a lifetime is not worth losing your life over," New Zealand Sport Fishing Council Communications and Operations Lead Mike Plant. 

Over the past decade, Aotearoa has witnessed 826 preventable drowning deaths, 31 of which occurred while crossing a river or harbour bar. Of those 31, a high percentage were from one of New Zealand’s many ethnic communities, including Chinese, Cook Island Māori, Thai and Tongan. Earlier this month, three lives were tragically lost in a bar crossing incident in Riverton, Southland, with Coastguard volunteers rescuing two people from the water. 

“We want our videos to be accessible for a wide range of New Zealanders, especially for some of whom English is a second language. Of course, we still encourage them to attend a seminar in their region to get the most up-to-date information on their local bar,” Coastguard Bar Safety Programme Lead Simon Marshall explained. 

The Bar Awareness Seminars are being held nationwide throughout the rest of the year, starting on 24 August at the New Zealand Fishing, Hunting, and 4x4 Expo in Rotorua. More details on the seminars can be found here: Bar Awareness Roadshow | Humanitix 

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About Coastguard Tautiaki Moana 

Coastguard is a charity powered by over 2,000 volunteers in communities around Aotearoa New Zealand. We’re here for all water enthusiasts, from boaties and kayakers to paddleboarders – whatever your waka. Our volunteers who crew rescue vessels, fly in the sky in our search aircraft, and are the ears and voice at the end of the radio, have been dedicated to saving lives for over 150 years. 

Last year, our highly trained and skilled volunteers gave 303,048 hours to help Kiwis make the most out of their time on the water, safely and with confidence. We assisted more than 7,187 people home, rescued 168, and saved 14 lives. We're the crew you can turn to for help - big or small – whether for a simple tow back to shore, sharing knowledge and advice through educational courses, or jumping into action on an urgent search and rescue mission. 

We're a charity with 66% of our operating income coming from donations, membership, sponsorship, and grants. The remaining 34% comes from central government funding. 

About New Zealand Sport Fishing Council 

The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC) represents over 37,000 passionate anglers across 50 clubs nationwide. As a leading voice for recreational fishing, the NZSFC advocates for sustainable fishing practices, marine conservation, and the well-being of New Zealand’s fishing communities. Partnering with Coastguard for the Bar Awareness initiative aligns with our commitment to ensuring the safety of our members and all Kiwis who enjoy the water. By educating boaties on the risks and best practices of bar crossings, we aim to reduce incidents and foster a culture of safety and responsibility on our waters. 

For more information, contact:  
Ben Parsons 
Senior Communications Advisor 
Coastguard Tautiaki Moana   
[email protected]