Kayak fishing and the risks involved

Two serious kayaking incidents this winter on Port Phillip Bay, one of which has resulted in a suspected fatality, have prompted authorities to issue a safety alert to paddlers. The following information also contains some salient point for small boat fishos in Vic waters.

On June 26, 2017, a Japanese national disappeared after entering the water at an Altona boat ramp. A search was not initiated until the next day. The weather was relatively calm for the first two days that he was missing. The kayak was found on June 30 in Port Phillip Bay. Sadly, the fisherman has not been found. It is not known if he was wearing a lifejacket.

On August 12, 2017, another kayaker set off from Altona, 13km from the Melbourne CBD on the western side of Port Phillip Bay, before being caught off guard by offshore winds and capsizing. He was wearing a lifejacket but was unable to reboard his kayak. After four hours in the water clinging to his vessel, a beachgoer heard his yells for help near Williamstown and raised the alarm.

Some waters in Victoria — exposed Altona in particular — can appear calm when entering the water but are dangerous when further from shore. Offshore winds can be deceptive in strength and can build or change suddenly over time.

Maritime Safety Victoria (MSV) has now issued a Safety Alert in an effort to improve paddler awareness of the risks of paddling alone and help them make safer choices and be better prepared.

KEY POINTS: PADDLING SAFETY
>> Paddlers are legally required to wear a lifejacket.
>> Emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) are required if going more than 2nm offshore in coastal waters, but it is advisable that all paddlers carry a means of raising the alarm.
>> Water temperatures in Victoria are currently around 12C, causing cold shock within minutes and possible hypothermia within one hour of falling in. Wear proper clothing like a wetsuit on your lower body at least.
>> In offshore winds, sea conditions deteriorate the further you are from the shore. Strong offshore wind may prevent you from being able to paddle back to the shore, too.
>> When paddling alone you are vulnerable to the environment around you. If no one is with you and no one knows your plans, you greatly reduce your chance of rescue. Take a mate.

PADDLING CHECKLIST
>> Check the forecast: warnings, weather conditions, wind, waves and tide times.
>> Don't paddle in offshore winds.
>> Practise self-rescue. If you can't self-rescue in the conditions, don't go out.
>> Know the limitations of your ability, craft and equipment.
>> Ensure you and your vessel are suitable for conditions and your planned activity.
>> Choose a suitable location for your activity and understand how conditions impact on the safety there — seek local knowledge if you are unfamiliar with the location.
>> Prepare for the worst. Fatigue and changing conditions may prevent you from returning to shore or getting back on your craft.
>> Be able to call for help: a phone in a waterproof pouch, VHF radio, EPIRB or personal locator beacon (PLB).
>> Tell someone where you are going and when you will be returning, so that they can raise the alarm if needed.
>> Consider a tracking app that provides an alert if you do not return on time.

More at
Paddle Safe, Paddle Smart page.