Cold Weather Boating

With the cooler weather now upon us, NSW Maritime Boating Officers have been out on State waters in force - raising awareness of the risks involved in cold-weather boating.

The effort is part of a campaign aimed to increase awareness of prevention and risk reduction in cold weather boating - particularly in the event of boat capsize or swamping.

In the cooler months, there is an increased risk of suffering hypothermia if you end up in the water.

Body temperature can cool 25 times faster when immersed in cold water, with children and older people being the most vulnerable.

Boaters have a greater exposure to the elements than most and boating in cooler weather and alpine areas means a higher risk of developing hypothermia from wind-chill, capsize and wet clothes.

Skippers need to act responsibly, check the weather and - if in doubt, don’t go out.

Make sure you have lifejackets on before the threat of capsize arises – and have enough for each person on board, in an easy-to-access spot.

Warm clothing is advised but boaters should also wear a lifejacket especially if clothing appeared too bulky or heavy to swim in.

Waders and gumboots should be avoided as these can fill with water and make swimming extremely difficult if you end up in the water.

If trouble strikes, remain with the craft to increase chances of being located after capsize or swamping.

More information on hypothermia can be found at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au