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NEWS
Life jacket Olympics
Create a fun drill to keep the kids safeMaritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) says boaties taking the family out for school holidays should try staging their own life jacket Olympics to add some fun to what could be a life-saving safety drill.
Acting General Manager of MSQ, John Kavanagh, emphasises that keeping children safe should be a priority for all skippers heading out onto the water in winter.
“A great way to make sure kids know where to find their life jackets and how to put them on in a hurry is to make a safe game of the lesson,” Mr Kavanagh said.
“Try timing everyone – they’ll soon know their personal best and be out to beat it.
“Skippers should be looking forward to fun with the family, but if things change quickly at sea they need to be prepared for emergencies.
“This means thoroughly checking the boat’s safety equipment, making sure there are correct life jackets for everyone onboard, and they’re adjusted to fit for immediate use,” he adds.
Checking expiry dates on all safety equipment is another a good idea, particularly for boats not used regularly.
During winter, strong winds can develop quickly, creating a significant risk and the effects of hypothermia are very real, even with minimal exposure. So take clothing appropriate for an unexpected longer stay on the water and plan an alternate anchorage away from heavy weather if the need arises.
Boaties also need to prepare for the unexpected with an unforeseen breakdown at this time of year easily compounding into a seriously threatening situation. Old fuel and foregoing a proper pre-launch check in favour of concentrating on other decisions relating to a family trip could prove costly.
Boat owners with a partially or fully enclosed cabin area should ensure exhaust gases cannot leak into these areas creating the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Logging on with the local marine rescue organisation by radio or phone should also be on the top of the list for a family trip. Remember – you’re the skipper, you’re responsible.
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Written byBoatsales Staff
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