Agencies have shared key advice for travelling and on-the-water activities to stay safe this Labour Weekend.

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has issued water and boating safety reminders as Labour Weekend is traditionally the start of the recreational boating season.

“If you’re pulling your boat out of storage for the first time in a while, take the time to do a thorough check of the vessel and all gear,” ORC harbourmaster Steve Rushbrook said. “Prep your boat, safety equipment, check the conditions and know the rules.”

There are five key safety messages in the Boating Safety Code: wear your lifejacket; take two waterproof ways to call for help; check the marine weather forecast; avoid alcohol; and be a responsible skipper.

Labour Weekend is part of Safer Boating Week, and also heralds the launch of the harbourmaster’s ‘Summer Safety’ campaign.

“Safer Boating Week is about raising awareness and changing behaviour to see everyone going out on boats to be fully prepared if danger should strike,” he said. “No matter if you’re on a power boat, jet ski or kayak, remembering the boating safety code is integral.”

Find more information about the Boating Safety Code and other helpful information for boaties here.

Meanwhile, NZTA has issued advice about travel this Labour Weekend.

NZTA journey manager Tresca Forrester said the Journey Planner can be used to check congestion predictions so travellers are better prepared.

Every holiday period and long weekend we see large numbers of people heading out for holidays and this can cause queues and delays, she said.

“The holiday journey planner shows predicted traffic conditions for popular routes over the Labour Weekend period, based on travel patterns from previous years,” Tresca said.

In previous years the Wakatipu Basin and the wider Frankton/Queenstown area around the Kawarau Falls bridge and SH6 have been busy right through Labour Weekend, so allowing extra time is a good idea for people travelling through the area.

NZTA crews shut down most active work sites by around midday on Friday (October 21).

“We have done the best to minimise works in most places over the long weekend, but we ask all drivers to take extra care wherever you spot road cones and areas with traffic management where work is ongoing.”

Tresca also recommended travellers take extra care on the roads; drive to the conditions; be patient; and take regular breaks to stay alert.

Motorists can also help keep highways safe by reporting unsafe or inconsiderate driving by calling 111 for any immediate risks on the road, or 105 for inconsiderate driving. 

PHOTO: Supplied