An increase in harbour users, both on and in the water, has prompted the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to put safety measures around one of New Zealand's most iconic landmarks.

The council's maritime team are trialling the installation of new yellow five knot buoys at the Tauranga Harbour entrance between Mauao and Matakana Island.

The purpose of these buoys is to clearly mark where any vessels travelling through the harbour channel should be slowing down to 5 knots if travelling outside the marked shipping channel and close to shore.

Deputy Harbourmaster Daniel Rapson says they saw a huge increase in boats and jetskis on the water last summer and are predicting the same if not more this year.

'As well as more boats and jetskis, there has been a rise in popularity of paddle craft such as waka ama, stand up paddle boarding and kayaks using the entrance or travelling around Mauao,” says Daniel.

'There's also a strong ocean swimming community in the area and seeing groups of swimmers complete a trip around Mauao is a common sight over summer. The hope is that these buoys will improve the safety for all users of the harbour entrance.

"If there's less speed, there's less harm.”

The placement of the buoys has been done in conjunction with the Port of Tauranga who are supportive of the move.

The buoys will be put in place on Monday, December 20, 2021.

Tauranga Entrance five knot buoys.

The new trial follows calls from Maritime New Zealand for Bay of Plenty boaties to 'up their game”.

A total of nine people in the Bay of Plenty lost their lives to recreational boating from 2015 to 2020, with seven resulting from not wearing lifejackets.

Maritime NZ deputy director and chair of the Safer Boating Forum, Sharyn Forsyth, says New Zealand is heading for a record number of recreational boating deaths this year after a horrific two months on the water.

'More people are taking to the water off the back of easing Covid-19 restrictions, which has resulted in eight boating deaths around the country in the past two months.

'We know recreational boat sales increased significantly during Covid-19. This is supported by research that reveals more than 2 million New Zealanders participate in recreational boating annually.

'While ownership has increased, we are not seeing the same demand for boating education.

'We want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe day on the water, which is improved with a responsible skipper in command; this is crucial to survival if something should go wrong.

'We are asking boaties to take extra care. If you've gone out on the water ten times or a thousand times, be prepared, follow the rules and have the right safety gear with you.

'Regardless of the vessel or person, to improve your chances of survival always wear your lifejacket, take two waterproof ways to call for help, check the marine weather forecast, avoid alcohol and be a responsible skipper.”

File photo.

Prep your boat:

• Take the time to check your boat and safety equipment are up to scratch.

Check your gear:

• To check your gear, give it a good once over, look inside and out and check for damage. The same goes for life jackets. Make sure they still fit, and check for any damage. If you find any damage, don't head out on the water - no matter how appealing it might be.

Know the rules:

• Know the safer boating rules and Covid-19 rules to help keep everyone safe. If in doubt, don't go out!

Visit saferboating.org.nz for more information on how to stay safe while out on the water.