Long weekend boating tips - stay safe!

Heading out this weekend? Stay safe!
Heading out on the boat this weekend? Don’t let the long weekend turn into a nightmare, here’s some tips from our friends at Marine Rescue NSW, although they relate to anywhere in Australia.

Make sure you check the forecast before you go too. We know a great website for that! Click here to check the local boating forecast.

LONG WEEKEND CHECKLIST
Four quick reference checks to reduce the risk

1. Check your vessel is in good working order before heading out on the water. Check your battery is fully charged. Check fuel, oil and coolant levels. Ensure you have sufficient fuel supplies on board and check your trailer wheels and bearings.

2. Ensure everyone on board is wearing their lifejacket. A lifejacket never ruined a day on the water but it can help save your life if you are wearing it. Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, often without giving you time to find and put on your lifejacket. Putting on your lifejacket as soon as you step on board is the best insurance policy.

3. Log On and Log Off with your nearest Marine Rescue unit. Call or radio your nearest MRNSW unit to let the volunteers know where you’re headed, the number of people on board and when you expect to return. This means someone responsible knows you’re out there and can move quickly to look for you if you don’t return as scheduled.

4. Know your position so you can guide rescuers to you in an emergency. Many boats have GPS equipment but you can keep track of where you are by noting your compass direction as you travelled from port to where you called for help, how long it took to get there and the speed at which you were travelling.

If you need help on the water, radio or phone your local Marine Rescue service (their number should be saved in your phone!) for help. In a life-threatening emergency, immediately call Triple Zero and make a MAYDAY call on your marine radio.