General News
14 September, 2023
Stay safe on the water
Spring feels like it’s officially arrived this week and with it the opportunity to get out to local watering holes — Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is asking everyone to stay safe on the water. GMW experience a surge of visitors to its water...
Spring feels like it’s officially arrived this week and with it the opportunity to get out to local watering holes — Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is asking everyone to stay safe on the water.
GMW experience a surge of visitors to its water storages — which include Cairn Curran, Tullaroop and Laanecoorie reservoirs — during the spring school holidays, with around 200,000 people visiting sites during the 2022 holidays.
“With the weather warming up, a lot of people will be using their boats for the first time in several months. It’s really important people ensure they are fit for purpose before taking them out on the water,” GMW Water Storage Services acting general manager Shayne Lowe said.
“Before you head out, check the battery is charged, inspect the boat for any fuel leaks or damage to the hull, and make sure you have all the appropriate first aid and safety equipment with you.”
Many GMW-managed storages are currently close to full supply level and Mr Lowe said this makes it particularly important that people are aware of potential hazards lying beneath the water.
“High water levels can often obscure vegetation and debris that would usually be above the waterline,” he said.
“At all our storages, there is a 5-knot limit for vessels within 50 m of the shoreline. Adhering to this limit helps minimise the risk of unseen hazards causing issues.”
Risks and hazards most commonly seen by GMW include:• speeding
• not wearing lifejackets
• boating alone
• not checking the conditions or water levels before launching boats
• drinking and boating
• being unaware of hazards like submerged rocks, sandbars, trees, shallow water, and debris
• diving from dam walls or ledges.
For more information on how to stay safe on the water visit www.g-mwater.com.au /recreation/water-smarts
Transport Safety Victoria tips can be found at transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety