What we saw on the water this month

We're changing things up a little with a collation of some of the incidents we saw in the last few weeks, and some safety messages to keep in mind.

This month, we’re focusing on checking the weather and conditions before heading out – especially important as we near the end of summer and the conditions are beginning to change.

Check the weather: An open aluminium vessel capsized when the weather turned at Waranga Basin approximately one kilometre offshore with two people on board. SES was on scene and able to bring both people safely to shore.

Check the weather: A young teenager on a paddleboard was taken by the wind and currents from Newhaven offshore to Churchill Island. They were in an easterly wind that was too strong for them to return home. Luckily, they were rescued by Coast Guard and returned to the safety of land.

Practise getting back on: Two people came off their PWC two kilometres from shore at Point Impossible Beach and were struggling to get back on. They used a mobile phone to call for help, Torquay Marine Rescue were notified and both people returned safely to shore.

Wear a lifejacket: A man on a waterbike came off and had to swim back to shore, but it took over an hour for him to get back to shore after his legs began cramping up. Thankfully, he was wearing a lifejacket to keep him afloat.

Learn vital weather preparedness information

Vessel navigation lights

As we are nearing the end of summer, the days are getting shorter and it's getting darker sooner.

It is more difficult to judge speeds and distances at night or in restricted visibility. Understanding lighting configurations will enable you to take corrective action to avoid a collision.

When underway - Red and Green sidelights, plus an All-Round White light.

When at anchor it’s just the All-Round White light.

Learn more about vessel navigation lights.

Upcoming FloatSafe clinics

Attend one of our free clinics to learn how to service and maintain your lifejacket.

Unfortunately, we've had to postpone some of our FloatSafe clinics this month, but we are hoping to host them throughout March.

Keep an eye out also for our upcoming expired flare collection days: msv.vic.gov.au/flares

See our new FloatSafe clinic dates.

Prepare to Survive: Know the weather

This month, we focus on knowing the weather before heading out onto the water.

Remember to check the weather for the whole time you're planning on being out, and prepare for the unexpected.

The Boating Vic website and app displays important weather information, localised to the area you plan on launching your vessel.

Check out our weather preparedness tips.

Around the web

Boating Upgrades At Warrnambool A Step Closer | Better Boating Victoria
Funding To Back Better Boating Access At Apollo Bay | Better Boating Victoria
Stay cool, stay safe this summer | Parks Victoria
Mandatory lifejacket trial at dangerous rockfishing spots | ABC news
Updated rules around the discharge of garbage at sea | AMSA
Air pollution prevention regulations: tell us what you think | AMSA
Cruiser floods off Coffs Harbour | Marine Rescue NSW
Take care to carry a flare - LSV rescues distressed boaters | Life Saving Victoria
MayDay north of Burnett Heads - a sinking skipper | Marine Rescue Bundaberg

We take no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or reliability of content on third party websites.

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