Boat safety in five easy steps

AUTHORITIES are reminding users of the region’s lakes and rivers to brush up on basic safety skills before heading out in the boat, kayak or canoe.

Transport Safety Victoria acting director Gareth Johnson said Maritime Safety is expecting more people out on Lake Wendouree and Lake Burrumbeet, as well as other waterways in the area, as recreational users get free of some COVID-19 restrictions.

“The Premier is encouraging Victorians to ‘Stay close, go further’ and move around the State supporting local businesses,” he said.

“With increased activity comes the possibility of more incidents, injuries and fatalities and no one wants to see the return to boating spoilt by higher incident numbers.

“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.”

The messaging about water safety comes as TVS begins a campaign titled Prepare to Survive.

The push focuses on five key points: know the weather, practise getting back on, carry a distress beacon, lock in a buddy plan, and wear a lifejacket.

Mr Johnson said that with incidents on the rise in recent years, the 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, can’t get back on and are unable to raise the alarm,” he said.

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 visiting any waterways in the vicinity of Ballarat, practise getting back on board,” said Mr Johnson.

“Ongoing, 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 to learn to use a paddle float and stirrup and take 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 investing in an appropriate ladder that extends into the water.