 Make
sure you have have lifejackets for all on board whenever you are
out boating.
In 2001, 18 lives were lost in recreational boating accidents
in this State and most were not wearing a personal flotation device
(PFD) such as a lifejacket.
- Check your craft thoroughly in all respects before heading
out on the water.
- It is important that all safety gear is in good condition
and ready for use because a lifejacket stowed under the anchor
chain or a distress flare which has expired will not do the
job it was designed for and that is to help save a life.
- Lifejackets are perhaps the single most important safety
item on any boat and there should be one on board for each person.
- It is recommended that children and poor swimmers wear one
at all times when afloat.
Boating - frequently asked questions
Q: When and why should I check the weather conditions
before I go out boating?
A thorough check of weather conditions is vital every time one
goes boating. This includes having an appreciation of how the
conditions may change throughout the day. A forecast change in
weather for example may result in relatively calm conditions in
the morning turning into potentially dangerous conditions in the
afternoon.
Make sure your vessel is appropriate for the conditions and
that you have the necessary experience to handle the forecast
conditions. Remember if in doubt, don’t go out.
Q: I’ve been boating for years and can swim OK,
do I still need to wear a life jacket?
Life jackets or PFDs are an important safety item on any boat
and there should be one on board for each person, and Waterways
recommends that children and poor swimmers wear one at all times
when afloat.
Make sure that your life jacket is in good condition, accessible
and ready for use because a life jacket stowed under an anchor
chain will not do the job it was designed for and that is to help
save a life.
Q: Is it OK to have a few beers when out on the water
in a boat?
The combination of wind waves and weather can multiply the effects
of alcohol and collectively are known as ‘boater fatigue’.
Persons with ‘boater fatigue’ are at a greater risk
of drowning should they fall into the water and that goes equally
for skipper, crew or passenger.
The blood alcohol limits are the same on the water as on our
roads. A person in charge of a vessel must keep under the 0.05
blood alcohol limit and for commercial vessel operators and persons
under the age of 18, the lower blood alcohol limit of 0.02 applies.
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