With more than half of boat users not logging on when taking to the water, Marine Rescue Port Macquarie are growing increasingly concerned for people’s safety.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Greg Davies, local unit commander said he hopes the trend does not continue during the upcoming peak season.
“Generally our local boaties are pretty good but over the October long weekend we know more than 50 percent of boat and jetski users did not log on with us before going either in the river or the ocean,” Mr Davies said.
“This is particularly dangerous given the increase in tourists in and around our town who may not be aware of the conditions specific to our area.
“We are tasked with helping to save lives on the water but when users do not log on with us it makes it considerably harder to help if things go wrong.
“It is a big ocean out there to go and look for someone and without even a little bit of information it can be very hard to find missing or lost boats.”
READ MORE: Marine Rescue reflect on a busy 2017-18 year
On Tuesday, October 2, Mr Davies said that only 24 boats had logged onto their system but the radio base crew at Town Beach saw more than 50 boats cross the bar into the ocean.
“We have had a fairly busy long weekend period and from now until after the Christmas holidays we are expecting to see more and more water crafts in the area,” he said.
“With the holidays here and Christmas right around the corner, it is a timely reminder for all boat and jetski users to ensure they are conducting proper maintenance of their vessels.
“Port Macquarie is a great place to be and it only takes 30 seconds to log on with us simply by going onto the app or via radio on channel 16 VHF. You never know it might just save your life.”
Mr Davies said that when you get in a car you have to follow the road rules and the same thing applies when boats and jetskis hit the water.
“All boat and jetski users need to remember that when in the river the speed limit is four knots and if you want to cross the path of a ferry you can only do so when the orange lights are not flashing.
“We also have lots of people who love to fish in the river so just be respectful when you see them and try to avoid getting too close to them.
“The other thing to remember is always wear a life jacket when out in the ocean and especially when crossing the bar.”
He also said as more whales migrate south with their calves boats out in the ocean must steer well clear.
“At this time of the year we are seeing lots of whales and their calves swim past Port Macquarie so vessels must stay clear of the whales especially if they calves with them.”
