Labour Weekend is often considered the unofficial start of summer and along with the warmer weather it also brings throngs of people to the Coromandel Peninsula.

With this in mind the Thames-Coromandel District Council encourages all local and visiting boaties who're planning on hitting the water to think of theirs and their loved ones safety this weekend.

Avoid a calamity on the water and take a moment to make sure yourself, your crew and your vessel is safe this Labour Weekend. Photo: TCDC

'National Safer Boating week was launched last week,” says council, 'and is about reminding boaties to take simple steps to prepare before going out on the water so they avoid problems and are more likely to survive if problems do arise.”

To help everyone keep safe on the water this Labour Weekend, the Thames-Coromandel council has compiled a raft of helpful tips for boaties.

First and foremost, before heading out make sure you check all your equipment is in good working order, as well as the marine weather and tide which is available via the MetService website.

It's also important that everyone on-board wears a correctly sized lifejacket, and if anyone is using an inflatable make sure to check all canisters and that the bladder is not punctured.

All skippers must know all the relevant boating rules and if you need a refresher make sure you visit the Waikato Regional Council's website.

'Carry two forms of waterproof communications that are right for the area and enable you to contact someone during the entire trip,” adds council, '[and] let someone else know where you're heading and the time when you expect to be back.”

Lastly, if you're the skipper then avoid alcohol. Even though 'drunken sailors' make for great sea shanties, they also have a knack for getting into serious trouble on the waters.

Council says to help make life easier for boaties, they can also download a free smartphone app which provides easy access to all the information they'll need.

'The MarineMate application has up-to-date tide information adjusted for daylight savings, boat ramp locations, safe boating checklists, and regulatory information on 5 knot zones, towing lanes and swimming areas.”

Boaties can download the MarineMate for both Android and iPhone.

For more tips on staying safe during summer and cool competitions, see the Safe Summer Coromandel Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/safesummercoromandel