Boaters in Port Macquarie are being reminded to stay safe when they go out on the water during the festive period.
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Neil Yates, the Marine Rescue Port Macquarie unit commander said that safety is key when leaving the shore by boat, whether in the canals or in the open ocean.
“Unfortunately people do have accidents which can result in both injuries and fatalities, so the main thing to remember is safety first.
“Before you go out on the water ensure that all passengers in the boat know how to operate the safety features on the vessel and log your trip with us via channel 16 on the radio or the Marine Rescue app,” Mr Yates said.
In the 12 months ending June 30, 2017 Mr Yates said Port Macquarie Marine Rescue had recorded 76 call outs and helped 169 people, and since July 1, 2017 the unit has already recorded 31 call outs with their busiest period still to come.
“We have an average of 80 call outs every year and our unit is classed as a major base which has a crew on call 24 hours, seven days a week, every single day of the year, and from the time we receive a call out it takes us a maximum of 20 minutes to get organised and have a boat in the water,” he said.
About 60 percent of those who go out on a boat do not log in with us, and we always get calls from concerned family and friends when people may not return by an agreed time but can’t tell us where the boat was going.
- Neil Yates
Mr Yates also said that it was important to follow some simple steps to ensure everyone comes back safely.
“About 60 percent of those who go out on a boat do not log in with us, and we always get calls from concerned family and friends when people may not return by an agreed time but can’t tell us where the boat was going.
“Another thing people need to be mindful of is that if your boat has been in storage over winter, make sure it is properly checked particularly the petrol and electronics,” he said.
Just like driving a car, the blood alcohol limit on the water is – 0.05, and Roads and Maritime Services executive director maritime Angus Mitchell said it is vital people know this going into the silly season.
“It is crucial boat skippers understand the alcohol limit is the same as on the road - for the safety of everyone on the water,” Mr Mitchell said.
It is crucial boat skippers understand the alcohol limit is the same as on the road - for the safety of everyone on the water.
- Angus Mitchell
Mr Mitchell also said that the effects of alcohol can be even more prominent when water and boats are involved.
“Anyone going boating should also be aware the wind, waves and sun can intensify the effect of alcohol, increase disorientation and the chance of drowning.
“When afloat, your coordination, judgement, vision, balance and reaction time can decline up to three times faster consuming alcohol.
“The boating environment amplified by waves, motion, vibration, engine noise, weather, wind and spray can multiply the effects of alcohol,” he said.
