The wet and cold pair had been stranded on the rocks for 11 hours with no way to call for help.
The alarm was only raised the next morning by a passing boat.
“These [people] ignored the safety basics. Learn from their example, if you’re heading out on the water. Take two waterproof ways to communicate – preferably a marine VHF radio and a distress beacon and wear your lifejacket. Know your limitations and those of your vessel.
“Always tell somebody ashore where and when you’re going, and when you expect to be back.
“You’ve got to be prepared for emergencies. Everyone on board a boat less than six metres should wear a lifejacket at all times. Most accidents occur suddenly, with no warning.
“There may be no time to grab a lifejacket, and it’s extremely difficult to put on a lifejacket in the water. Many boaties drown less than 200 metres from shore.”
Read more here:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11915513
