By Goya Dmytryshchak
Boaters are being urged to stay safe in Port Phillip Bay this Easter weekend, with figures from Maritime Safety Victoria (MSV) showing there were 24 reportable boating mishaps statewide during Easter last year.
Since March, there have been 92 recreational marine mishaps statewide, with one boater killed and one seriously injured.
On December 3, a 65-year-old man failed to return from a fishing trip after launching from Werribee boat ramp. His submerged 5.3-metre vessel was found off Point Cook by the police air wing. His body was later found about two nautical miles from the vessel, near Altona.
Maritime safety officers will be enforcing boating rules during the weekend and issuing fines to those doing the wrong thing.
MSV spokesman Paul Corkill said the Easter long weekend was a particularly busy time for boaties.
“While it’s a good time to unwind and relax with your loved ones, it should not be an excuse to become complacent with your safety,” he said.
“Make sure you are well prepared for the journey. This includes having appropriate safety equipment, such as lifejackets, and ensuring that the equipment is in good working condition. Lifejackets can save your life when things go wrong. Our recommendation is that you wear one at all times.”
On February 20, a 75-year-old man died after he fell from his kayak on the Mitta Mitta River near Tallangatta.
On March 22, two men, aged 49 and 48, were injured when their seven-metre open vessel struck a submerged object on Lake Eildon.
Mr Corkill said boaters should be aware different waterways had different operating rules and it was up to boaters to familiarise themselves with them.
“You can find out the rules by using our new online waterway map on our website www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au,” he said.
“Once you’re under way, stick to the speed and distance rules designated for that waterway and keep a proper lookout at all times for other vessels.”
