Talk to us about your new or used boat, equipment, or servicing needs – we service Mercury Marine and we’re locally based in QLD.
Any boater, no matter their level of experience, should learn how to reduce the risk of accidents happening out in the open waters. While it is a fabulous way to cool off, swimming in deep waters during a boating trip does present its set of challenges, especially if you are responsible for young children or weak swimmers. There’s a time and place for jumping off a boat for a swim, so practising caution is advisable. Here are a few things to check before diving in headfirst:
Choose a Spot That is Free From Potential Hazards
Be conscious of where you stop your Quintrex or Yellowfin boat for a swim. Avoid areas with strong currents or hazards like rocks and submerged materials. Check for rips by checking if the water is discoloured, choppy, or filled with debris. Never swim in a marked channel, as high boat traffic presents a dangerous risk. Marinas and slipway areas are no-go areas for swimming for this very reason. In addition to being run over by boats coming and going, there are usually nasty chemicals in the water and there could be the risk of electric shock from shore power. If you swim in an anchorage, stay very close to your craft and watch out for speedboats. Take note of local signage to determine a safe place for a dip.
Kill Your Boat’s Engine
The very first thing to do before entering the water off a boat is to switch off your Yamaha outboard motor. Keeping all engines off removes the danger of swimmers getting caught underneath the boat or suffering a propeller strike injury. If you are offshore or out of sight of landmarks then you should drop anchor and establish a way to monitor whether you are drifting or not.
Check the Water’s Depth
When entering the water, make sure it is deep enough before throwing down your anchor. Use a depthfinder to determine how deep the water is. Take care in anchoring near cliffs and shores. Do not get too close to cliffs or other areas where there could suddenly be shallow water. If swimming in deep water, make sure everyone is a competent swimmer and can make it back to the boat.
Make Sure It’s Easy to Get Back on Deck
Make it easy for swimmers to get back on the boat by having sturdy ladders and grab rails in reach for those in the water. Keep your swim free from obstructions to prevent any slips or falls, and keep the area free of ropes, sharp objects and obstructions that may cause injuries.
Use Floatation Devices
If there are people in your group who are not particularly strong swimmers, it is a good rule of thumb that they should wear a personal flotation device (PFD) if they want to take a dip in the water.
While not a replacement for PFDs, floatation devices such as lifebuoys, pool noodles and even foam mats can assist if a person becomes too tired to return to the boat and needs a break from swimming.
There Should Always be at Least One Person Assigned as a Lookout
The lookout should be constantly vigilant, as they are responsible for everyone on board and in the water. Supervision means keeping everyone in your line of sight and scanning continuously for danger. In particular, you should actively supervise children even if they can swim.
We hope these tips can help you have a safer experience when you’re out on the water. If you’re planning to purchase a boat or a boat engine to treat yourself you your loved ones this Christmas, come visit us at Cavs Marine. We are an authorised Quintrex, Yellowfin, Haines Hunter, and Southern Formula boat dealer and a Yamaha boat motor dealer situated in Tully, QLD. If you have any inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact us by filling out this form or calling us at 07 4068 2222.