EVENT WATER SAFETY - Key Persons

Chris Thornton is a seasoned maritime professional well versed in creating and promoting a culture focused on safety. Chris has experience developing and implementing action plans, monitoring H&S compliance and optimising programs to simplify processes, improve management efficiency and minimise incidents in our working environment. Chris has developed a solid understanding of the Southern lakes waterways, the issues they face and the risks involved for recreational and commercial users. As a Coastguard and Maritime NZ skipper, proficient jet ski rider (under a maritime NZ Safety Case) and a seasoned high level kayak instructor (NZOIA) on lakes and rivers, Chris is immersed in water safety training and education throughout the year.

Craig Fahey is solution focussed operator with many years of experience in developing, implementing and monitoring water safety management programmes with a proactive, systems based approach. He is passionate about the Central Lakes region and has a zest for solving complex problems. Craig holds a Maritime NZ commercial Skippers Qualification and is a Maritime NZ authorised assessor for safety boat operators. He has a broad knowledge of the geography of the Southern Lakes and particularly as it relates to the waterways. As well as operating in his professional capacity as a skipper and water safety coordinator, Craig enjoys giving back to the local community by volunteering at the Wanaka Yacht Club, where he has built a vibrant and successful youth sailing program that focuses on teaching water safety skills to local kids and families. Craig can be found on the water year round and consider his annual number of days in a lifejacket to be a key measure of quality of life.