Boaters, paddlers urged to read the weather before heading out

Maritime Safety Victoria and the Bureau of Meteorology have banded together to launch the “Know the weather” campaign, aimed at educating vulnerable water users about the dangers of being caught out a long way from home.

“Conditions on the water can change incredibly quickly,” Victorian Maritime Safety director Rachel Gualano said.

“It is so important that boaters don’t become complacent about checking the weather while they are out there.”

The Bureau of Meteorology provides tools for boating and paddling enthusiasts to check weather forecasts before heading out on the water. The services provide predictions of localised wind and wave conditions expected in the next three, six and nine hours for both coastal and local waters.

The campaign includes a video featuring Max, who witnessed first-hand how quickly conditions can deteriorate – and the consequences.

The chilling impact of his experience can be summed up in one phrase: “We were the last people to see them alive.” You can watch the video below.

Gualano said one of the greatest risks to boaters and paddlers was unexpectedly ending up in the water, and then not being able to get back onto their vessel or to call for help.

“Our research shows that many boaters and paddlers tend to underestimate the risks and overestimate their capabilities,” she said.

“For example, 37 per cent of paddlers and 31 per cent of coastal boaters reported that on their last outing, they did not carry any equipment to help them get back onto their craft if they fell overboard.

“We want to remind all boaters that no matter how experienced they are, things can still happen that are outside of their control,” Gualano said.

“Our ‘Prepare to survive’ campaign brings home the importance of trip preparation, so that if something does happen on the water, boaters have the absolute best chance of survival.”

For more information, visit Marine Safety Victoria.