Lessons Learnt:

Earlier this month, a father and son were out in their kayak on coastal water when it capsized and began taking on water, but not sinking.

They managed to tie themselves to a buoy from a nearby mussel farm, and to keep their vessel afloat, they had to rotate one person in the water and one in the kayak.

Luckily, the pair were wearing lifejackets and were carrying two phones and an apple watch. They were able to call and stay in contact with rescue services who were dispatched quickly to assist the pair in safely returning to shore.

This incident was a lesson in preparedness: their anxiety was lessened thanks to their lifejackets and their ability to call for help.

Are you always prepared when you go out on the water? This month, we’re reminding boaters and kayakers to Prepare to Survive: Wear a Lifejacket.

Learn vital lifejacket information

Yarra River safety

If you paddle on the Yarra River, remember you must wear a lifejacket.

You also need to display display lights if kayaking in the dark. Consider joining a club or doing a paddling course to learn vital skills.

All waterway users are reminded of the five-knot speed limit on the Yarra River from Bolte Bridge to Dights Falls.

Learn more about paddle safety

Picture supplied by East Coast Kayaking

Ride Right

If you're looking forward to firing up your jet ski over summer, we've got some important advice for a safe and enjoyable time.

Remember to: Carry your marine licence with PWC endorsement, Wear a lifejacket, Follow speed and distance rules, Carry a waterproof buoyant torch, Respect the environment and others.

If you're heading to Port Phillip, you must ride slow and steady through the five-knot zone – the boundaries are shown by yellow special mark poles. This 'irregular riding' rule helps keep riders, other waterway users and swimmers safe.

More information and video guides

Around the web

Upgrades for Cowes Boat Ramp and Lang Lang | Better Boating Victoria
Warneet Boating Precinct Plan | Better Boating Victoria
New 5-knot zone for Bancroft Bay | Gippsland Ports
Algae control trial at Lake Bullen Merri | Corangamite Shire
Water safety around marine mammals | DELWP
Park waterway safety advice | Parks Victoria
Tools for a safe trip to the beach | Beachsafe
Summer by the Sea activities | Coastcare Victoria
Tips so everyone can enjoy the water safely | Royal Life Saving Australia
Victorian Water Safety Strategy 2021-25 | Victorian Government
AMSA takes on HF monitoring in Australia | AMSA
Check your pool and spa barriers | KidSafe

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

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