Go ‘overboard’ for safety this summer
Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) and the Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, have joined forces to remind boaters and paddlers to practice getting back on if you go ‘overboard’ and find yourself in the water.
Gareth Johnson, TSV’s Acting Director, Maritime Safety Victoria expects a surge of activity in the waters of Phillip Island and the Bass Coast this summer as boaters and paddlers are freed from many coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
“With increased activity comes the possibility of increased incidents, injuries and fatalities – in 2018-19 there were 219 incidents in Western Port and 33 in Bass Strait North.
“In view of these figures, it’s great that the Bass Coast Shire is endorsing our critical safety message for boaters and paddlers – practice getting back on.
“If you’re planning to go out on a boat or a kayak in the next few months, don’t wait until you’re treading water to find out you can’t get back on. Just because you could once doesn’t mean you can now.”
Mr Johnson says that with incidents on the rise in recent years, TSV’s five messages for summer remain critical.
“Boaters and paddlers usually remember to check the weather and wear a lifejacket, but many injuries and – sadly – fatalities, result when they go out alone, are unable to help themselves and unable to raise the alarm.”
TSV’s latest research found 37 per cent of paddlers and 31 per cent of coastal boaters
reported that, on their last outing, they did not carry any equipment to help them get back onto their craft.
“That’s why we recommend boaters and kayakers on Western Port and around the Bass Coast practice getting back on board - soon,” says Mr Johnson. “If you own a boat, you should do this once a year, and if you’re a kayaker or canoer, do it more frequently.”
TSV advises paddlers should learn to use a paddle float and stirrup and consider taking professional instruction prior to kayaking trips this summer.
For boaters, TSV recommends a kill switch that ensures the engine cuts out if boaters fall overboard, and to invest in an appropriate ladder that extends into the water.
Cr Tessari says it is important for all boaters and paddlers, no matter how experienced they are, to remember that things can still happen that are out of their control.
“The ‘Prepare to survive’ campaign brings home the importance of trip preparation, so that if something does happen on the water, boaters have the absolute best chance of survival”.
Prepare to survive: Know the five
● Know the weather
● Practice getting back on
● Carry a distress beacon
● Lock in a buddy plan
● Wear a lifejacket.
Find out more at msv.vic.gov.au/prepare