Boaters warned to navitage safely as severe weather sets in across NSW

by aapmedianet.com.au on 3 Jun 2016 Boaters are reminded a severe weather warning is in place across the majority of NSW as a statewide safety campaign starts tomorrow to improve safety.

Roads and Maritime Services Director Maritime Angus Mitchell said Operation Boat Safe: Navigate Safely starts tomorrow and will continue until sundown on Monday 13 June.

“With daylight saving now, the days are shorter and the temperature – in and out of the water – is significantly colder, presenting new risks to boaters” Mr Mitchell said.

“Since July last year there have been 232 reported boating incidents in NSW waters including 11 fatalities and boaters need to be warned there are consequences as temperatures decrease.

“Seventeen of the incidents occurred at night, resulting in two fatalities, three serious injuries and six minor injuries. There have also been seven reported incidents which have occurred when crossing a coastal bar which have resulted in one fatality and two serious injuries.

“The focus will be on navigating at night, cold shock, safety equipment and trip planning.

“With daylight savings now complete, days are shorter and boaters will be required to display navigation lights from sunset to sunrise during times of restricted visibility.

“Winter brings a greater risk of hypothermia to boaters exposed to the elements as capsizing in cold water can be life threatening and cold shock can incapacitate almost instantly.

“All boaters should carry a map and be aware of the area they are boating in, as well as checking the weather and tidal charts, and communicating with people on shore of their plans and estimated return time.”

The Bureau of Meteorology and the State Emergency Service are advising of an east coast low which is forecast to move south from Queensland to affect the NSW coast tomorrow, causing heavy rainfall, damaging winds and damaging surf conditions.