Buoy-Boy in Picton Harbour

Council’s harbours team needs your help to name their new ‘buoy-boy’ – a fun safety marker designed to remind boaties of marine safety this summer.

The marker, which is shaped like a boy, will be placed in different places around Marlborough for a few hours at a time during the summer months.

Buoys already remind boaties about hazards, mark deep water, and guide safe navigation, says Maritime Officer Kelsie Small.

“This one is part safety-marker, part character, and will be placed just 15 to 30 metres offshore to remind people about boat safety, things like wearing lifejackets, checking the weather before venturing out, and ensuring you carry two forms of communication,” she says.

“It is hoped our ‘spokesbuoy’ will be a bit of fun for families, while sparking those important conversations – and we’d like your help to name him.”

A VHF handheld radio is up for grabs for the winning name – helping boaties adhere to the new bylaw requiring two forms of communication on the water. To enter, comment your suggested name here. (click link to enter). A winner will be drawn on 1 March.

For some extra fun, anyone using an unpowered vessel who gets a selfie with the Buoy while he’s out and about and sends it to harbours@marlborough.govt.nz will receive five extra entries in the draw.

Please do not tie up to, untie or move Buoy Boy

Article supplied by Marlborough District Council