With the onset of summer and warmer temperatures being upon us it is a probably a timely reminder of being safe around our local waterways and catchments.
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Safety on our local waterways is no different to being safe on our local roads. You need to ensure that you exercise safety if swimming or undertaking other water sports or if you are navigating a boat.
Unfortunately, we hear all too often of tragedy on our waterways through either people drowning whilst swimming in unfamiliar waterways or people dying as a result of boating accidents.
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Both of these scenarios can be avoided if we just take a little care.
If swimming, swim in areas that are popular and safe to swim in. These areas are sometimes defined through signage similar to what we see at beaches and are free of underwater debris like submerged trees which pose a hazard.
If the water looks calm on the surface just be mindful there may be strong under currents which pose a significant danger to swimmers.
If you are likely to swim in these types of locations, don't swim alone and please notify someone of where you are going and how long you are expected to be at the location for.
If you are skippering a vessel or utilising some other type of vessel, like a Personal Watercraft ensure that there are life jackets for every person on board your vessel as you are required by law.
Don't consume alcohol whilst skippering a vessel as being over the .05 limit also applies to people over 18 years who are skippering recreational vessels.
Like swimming, advise someone of where you are going and what time you will be home, ensure you have a working radio, distress flares, EPIRB and paddles should you encounter issues with your boat.
Also ensure that your vessel is registered and the person skippering the vessel is licenced to operate the vessel.
The New South Wales Police Force Marine Area Command will be conducting a state-wide operation on our state waterways over the weekend of December 5-6. Police from The Hume Police District will also be conducting enforcement and compliance on our local waterways as part of this operation.
Further information in relation to safety on our water ways can be found on the NSW Roads and Maritime website.
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