No excuses for children not wearing lifejackets
THE NUMBER of deaths from drowning in small boating accidents could be halved if everyone wore lifejackets, according to Water Safety New Zealand.
Eighty-five per cent of boating fatalities in boats under six metres are the result of swamping and capsize, and Water Safety chief executive Matt Claridge says people are taken by surprise by the speed of such an event.
“The chances of hitting the water are far greater on a small boat, and no matter how far you are from shore, the water is still cold, the body goes into a shock reaction, and you need all the help you can get to stay afloat.”
Mr Claridge says lifejackets are only part of the equation, though, and poor decision making can also be at fault, as boaties persist in setting out to sea even in the face of bad weather.
“People can be so hell bent and determined to go out for a fish or a dive that they decide to go anyway, and that’s often when incidents occur.”
He believes teaching skippers to take responsibility for their craft and the people on board is crucial in reducing the drowning toll. He says skippers should plan their trips several days or even a week beforehand, checking weather and marine forecasts, making sure the boat is in good mechanical order, and that the safety equipment on board is up to scratch.
“There is no point taking flares out if they are old and expired. You have got to have correctly fitting lifejackets for every person on board, and you should have two forms of communication.”
He says there is absolutely no excuse to have a child on board a boat without a lifejacket, and skippers should ensure each child has a correctly fitting lifejacket with a crotch strap to prevent it flying off over their head if they hit the water.
“Boating is a lot of fun, but it’s just like having a home swimming pool, there is added risk, and you need to manage that risk.”
Tips for safe boating
Check the marine weather forecast before you go, and monitor it for changing conditions while you are out.
Fill in a ‘‘2 minute form’’ with your destination and expected return time and leave it with a friend or family member.
Have at least two forms of communication on board the boat (a handheld waterproof marine VHF radio, personal locator beacon, and/or cellphone). Flares are another useful way to signal that you need help.
Store non-waterproof items in a zip-lock bag so they stay dry.
Keep a floating grab bag containing emergency gear within easy reach of the skipper.
Wear lifejackets.
Skippers should complete a boating education course. For more information: ‘2 minute forms’ are available from Water Safety NZ (phone 801 9600) or can be downloaded from the Coastguard website at:
coastguard.co.nz Information on day skipper courses (including home study options) at:
boatingeducation.org.nz. Advice on different types of lifejackets, and survival techniques in cold water at:
maritimenz.govt.nz.