The Bay of Plenty is one of the most active boating areas in the country with eight Volunteer Coastguard units to take care of local boaties, including Whitianga, Tairua, Whangamata, Waihi Beach, Tauranga, Maketu, Whakatane and Opotiki.

Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard health and safety and training officer Simon Barker says across the eight units there are around 280 volunteers running five radio rooms and manning a total of 11 boats.

'These people give thousands of volunteer hours in support of the Coastguard cause. Every one of these volunteers does this as they believe in what their units do and it's their way of giving back to their communities.

'Show them your support by making sure you join your local unit's membership scheme and remember to make use of the radio services when you head out to sea.

'We all want you to enjoy your day on the water and return home safely at the end of it,” says Simon.

For more information go to: www.taurangacoastguard.co.nz