Skills to keep lake users safe

VOLUNTEERS from VF5 Eppalock Coast Guard joined with VF11 Lake Hume Coast Guard last weekend for a joint training exercise.

Held on Lake Eppalock, it was designed to improve towing and knowledge.

“Towing is the skill we use most often,” said VF5 Eppalock Coast Guard Commander Colin McEwan.

“Sometimes we are needed when a boat won’t start, there is a mechanical fault, or the motor hasn’t been properly secured.

“The two-day training session helped us to learn techniques for safer towing.”

Commander McEwan said volunteers are always on call to assist people who need help.

“Recently we were called out to assist in looking for a man who was out fishing, had a turn and fell off the side of the boat,” he said. “We were able to locate him on the shore.”

Volunteer Mark Jeavons said it was good to see others from another flotilla.

VF5 Eppalock Coast Guard is seeking new members to help protect boaters, swimmers and other waterway users.

Anyone interested can contact admin officer Kevin Bell on 0457 070 160 or email [email protected].