grant
24-12-2006, 07:35 PM
Coast Guard offers six tips on how to stay safe
The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard is urging all boaters to use extra caution while boating during this festive season and the New Year.
In light of the dangers, the Coast Guard is offering six tips to stay safe while boating during this busy time:
· Always wear a life jacket: While in many areas of the country it’s hot and steamy, don’t be tempted to forgo wearing a life jacket. Accidents happen quickly, and often there isn’t time to put on a life jacket once an accident has happened.
· Make sure your boat is properly equipped and that required equipment is functioning properly: This tome of year is sometimes the first and only time people venture out on the water after dark. Make sure your navigation lights work so you can be seen.
· Be prepared for emergencies: Accidents happen quickly, often with little or no warning. Take the time to familiarise your crew with basic emergency procedures, and show them how to contact authorities for help via marine radio or cell phone. Make sure you Flares are up to date, and never use flares as a form of fireworks. Doing so constitutes a false distress call, and could lead to fines or as is more often the case, Bush Fires are started.
· Boating and Alcohol do not mix: Boaters are also reminded of the dangers of drinking and boating. Along with decreasing the operator's ability to make good judgments, the consumption of alcohol also negatively affects the ability of passengers to respond in the case of an emergency on the water. The effects of the sun, wind, waves and a boat's motion in the water can add to an operator's impairment. Intoxicated boaters can face substantial penalties.
· File a Travel Plan with a friend: A travel plan for a boater is vitally important. It lists who is going, where you’re going, what the boat looks like, and when you expect to be back. Also remember to log on with Coast Guard so that we can monitor you boating safety, but do not forget to log off, as this can cause false alarms.
· Keep a sharp lookout for other boats, the weather, or anything that is unusual: The Coast Guard asks the public to be more aware of their surroundings, including carefully watching the weather, celebrating responsibly and understanding the hazards of boating under the influence of alcohol and misusing emergency flares as fireworks.
Most importantly, enjoy the holidays and have a prosperous and enjoyable Xmas and New Year.
Remember, SAFETY BY ALL MEANS.
The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard is urging all boaters to use extra caution while boating during this festive season and the New Year.
In light of the dangers, the Coast Guard is offering six tips to stay safe while boating during this busy time:
· Always wear a life jacket: While in many areas of the country it’s hot and steamy, don’t be tempted to forgo wearing a life jacket. Accidents happen quickly, and often there isn’t time to put on a life jacket once an accident has happened.
· Make sure your boat is properly equipped and that required equipment is functioning properly: This tome of year is sometimes the first and only time people venture out on the water after dark. Make sure your navigation lights work so you can be seen.
· Be prepared for emergencies: Accidents happen quickly, often with little or no warning. Take the time to familiarise your crew with basic emergency procedures, and show them how to contact authorities for help via marine radio or cell phone. Make sure you Flares are up to date, and never use flares as a form of fireworks. Doing so constitutes a false distress call, and could lead to fines or as is more often the case, Bush Fires are started.
· Boating and Alcohol do not mix: Boaters are also reminded of the dangers of drinking and boating. Along with decreasing the operator's ability to make good judgments, the consumption of alcohol also negatively affects the ability of passengers to respond in the case of an emergency on the water. The effects of the sun, wind, waves and a boat's motion in the water can add to an operator's impairment. Intoxicated boaters can face substantial penalties.
· File a Travel Plan with a friend: A travel plan for a boater is vitally important. It lists who is going, where you’re going, what the boat looks like, and when you expect to be back. Also remember to log on with Coast Guard so that we can monitor you boating safety, but do not forget to log off, as this can cause false alarms.
· Keep a sharp lookout for other boats, the weather, or anything that is unusual: The Coast Guard asks the public to be more aware of their surroundings, including carefully watching the weather, celebrating responsibly and understanding the hazards of boating under the influence of alcohol and misusing emergency flares as fireworks.
Most importantly, enjoy the holidays and have a prosperous and enjoyable Xmas and New Year.
Remember, SAFETY BY ALL MEANS.