If you can't call for help, you can't be rescued- is the message boaties need to remember.

As part of Safer Boating Week, which started on October 13, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council is reinforcing this message at boat ramp workshops across the region.

Bay of Plenty Harbormaster Peter Buell says Safer Boating Week has previously focused on lifejackets, but now the focus is on communication as well.

"Lifejackets and waterproof communications work together. A lifejacket helps you float and they have saved many lives, but if you can't call for help then there's no way to know you need rescuing," he says.

"You need atleast two reliable ways to call for help that will work when wet. Whether it's a marine VHF radio or cellphone in a waterproof bag. It's not good enough to simply chuck your cell in your pocket and hope for the best.”

Eighty-six percent of boaties take lifejackets with them on their boats, and 76 per cent now wear their lifejackets all or most of the time on the water.

However, only 38 per cent of boaties take two waterproof ways to call for help and the most common device they take is a cellphone.

"We can't over-emphasise the importance of carrying waterproof communications," says Peter.

The Regional Council is holding safer boating workshops at the following boat ramps:

Sulphur Point boat ramp in Tauranga at 8am - 2pm on October 14 and 19

Whakatane boat ramp, mid-morning on October 15

Bowentown and Omokoroa, mid morning on October 21

More information about safer boating at www.saferboating.org.nz and the Safer Boating NZ Facebook.