THIS month, Maritime Safety Victoria (MSV) is sharing the message that boaters and paddlers need to carry a distress beacon, so they can raise the alarm if they unexpectedly enter the water.<\/p>\n
Victorian paddler James says he was knocked out of his kayak by a regulation wave that caught him by surprise.<\/p>\n
He was amazed at how quickly he went from someone with all safety measures in place to \u201can idiot swimming beside a boat\u201d in rough seas.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce in the water, it was hard to think straight and, as I got colder, I found that my fingers didn\u2019t work so well,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI realised that if I was going to set off my beacon, it had better be soon.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started to think about my partner and how worried she\u2019d be, as I was well overdue by that time. Looking back, the right thing to do would have been to set off the beacon as early as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
James set off his beacon, and a rescue helicopter was dispatched.<\/p>\n
\u201cBased on my experience, my advice to you is always carry a distress beacon,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Carrying a distress beacon is one of the key messages in MSV\u2019s new \u201cPrepare to survive: Know the five\u201d boating safety campaign.<\/p>\n
Beacons must be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, which has partnered with MSV to share the \u2018carry a distress beacon\u2019 message.<\/p>\n
Ending up in Victorian waters, which remain cool all year, is one of the greatest risks to the safety of boaters and paddlers.<\/p>\n
MSV research insights indicate that many boaters and paddlers underestimate the risks and overestimate their skills – in short, they think \u201cI\u2019m experienced. It won\u2019t happen to me\u201d.<\/p>\n
It happens to the best of us, and often for reasons out of our control.<\/p>\n
Preparing to survive is part of mastering your control of your vessel, and your knowledge of the environment.<\/p>\n
Prepare to survive: Know the five –
\n\u2022 Know the weather
\n\u2022 Practise getting back on
\n\u2022 Carry a distress beacon
\n\u2022 Lock in a buddy plan
\n\u2022 Wear a lifejacket.
\nFor more information about the campaign, head to msv.vic.gov.au\/prepare.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THIS month, Maritime Safety Victoria (MSV) is sharing the message that boaters and paddlers need to carry a distress beacon, so they can raise the alarm if they unexpectedly enter the water. Victorian paddler James says he was knocked out of his kayak by a regulation wave that caught him by surprise. He was amazed […]<\/p>\n