By Intern Journalist
By Joanna Catalano
Maritime Safety Victoria and Life Saving Victoria are challenging boaters and paddlers to practise getting back on their boats and kayaks this boating season.
The new safety campaign, ‘Prepare to survive: Know the five’, highlights the risks for boaters and paddlers of unexpectedly entering water and not being able to get back on their craft.
Victorian boater David has shared his experience of cold shock as part of the new boating safety campaign. He jumped into the water to help release a rope in the propeller of a yacht he was sailing on.
“I stopped breathing. My ability to think clearly disappeared. I couldn’t co-ordinate my muscles, and it was the crew members who had to haul me back on board again,” David said.
Maritime safety director Rachel Gualano said clambering back onto a boat in wet clothing can be much harder than people expect.
“Getting back on board involves a certain level of fitness and strength, especially when you are dealing with factors such as cold shock and conditions on the day,” Ms Gualano said.
“You should never assume that because you could do it in calm, shallow water, or because you did it a few years ago, that you will always be able to do it.”
The campaign encourages boaters and paddlers to know the weather, practise getting back on, carry a distress beacon, lock in a buddy plan and wear a life jacket.
