Police are urging all boat owners to ensure their vessel and safety equipment are in proper working order as summer approaches.

“Following three separate sea rescues in recent weeks and tragically four deaths, all boat owners are urged to ensure their vessel is sea-worthy and safety equipment is in good condition,” said Sergeant Kriss Lawler from Tasmania Police Marine and Rescue Services.

“Police want to see people enjoy their time on the water and to make it home safely.”

Vessels and safety equipment should be well maintained and appropriate for the voyage.

“It’s vitally important that anyone heading onto the water in a boat is aware of their limitations, and that they carry all of the equipment required to keep them safe” said Sergeant Lawler.

“Life jackets must be worn by everyone on-board a boat (less than six metres in length), and flares and emergency beacons should be on the boat stored in a place that’s easily accessible to everyone if needed in an emergency.

Police urge anyone heading out onto the water to:

• Plan your trip – remain vigilant with the weather conditions, make sure someone knows where you intend on going and when you anticipate you’ll be back – and don’t change those plans without telling someone.
• Avoid taking unnecessary risks when boating – know your own limitations, the limitations of your boat and the areas you are operating in.
• Make sure everyone on-board a vessel under six metres in length is wearing a compliant life jacket. For inflatable style jackets, make sure the person wearing it knows how to activate it should it be needed and that it is serviced regularly.
• Ensure you have all the essential safety equipment. Items such as mobile phones in waterproof covers and marine radios are an important additional layer of safety and everyone is urged to carry them.
• Never mix alcohol and boating – it can be a potentially fatal mix when out on the water.

For more safe boating information and equipment requirements, visit www.mast.tas.gov.au