The Waikato Regional Council wants to tackle one of the region's most high-risk activities, and is joining forces with the Coastguard to do so.
Seminars on how to safely cross river bars are being held next month in Raglan and Kawhia.
Spokesman Richard Barnett says the time invested by boaties could equate to a life saved.
"Skippers have the experience, the knowledge and then the confidence to cross the bar safely. It opens up areas of recreation for them which otherwise might not be open to them," he says.
Nineteen people have drowned in New Zealand waters so far this year.
Newshub.
