NSW Maritime has launched a $200,000 boating safety
campaign featuring former Australian cricket opener Matthew
Hayden.
The campaign called ‘Keep Your Eye on the Ball’ is set to run
until the end of the boating season this Easter.
Matthew Hayden is a keen boater who understands the importance of
safety and skippers being responsible at all times for the lives of
all on board.
The safety awareness campaign stresses one of the fundamental
boating messages of keeping a good lookout at all times.
Hayden donated his time to the campaign which is an extension of
a National Marine Safety Committee project to improve boating
safety.
"Just as ‘keeping your eye on the ball’ is important in cricket,
keeping a good lookout on the water is vital for safe boating," he
said.
"There are so many things that can change every time you go out
such as a slight adjustment in a sand bar.
"You need to read navigation beacons correctly and be aware of
other boats in half light or where you can’t see because you are
blinded by sun or salt on the window.
"Things can change in an instant, another boat can come out of
nowhere, a wave can swamp you and suddenly you can be in real
trouble."
NSW Maritime figures indicate 42 per cent of boating incidents
over the past three years involved grounding and collisions,
highlighting the need for skippers to keep a proper look out.
Skippers need to follow a few important rules:
- Keep a proper lookout;
- Keep to a safe speed for the conditions;
- Keep to the right side of channels;
- Ensure your boat is in good working order, especially
navigation lights at night;
- Wear lifejackets in times of heightened risk such as when
crossing a bar or when conditions get rough.
|
