10 StepsTo Stay Safe At Sea: Read on...
What causes incidents at Sea?
Bad weather conditions such as fog, high winds, ice flows, and storms at sea. But, the most common is 'Human' errors, which can cause maritime collisions, crew member mistakes due to carelessness and confusion about maritime traffic schemes. Also the general public, having little knowledge of the safety rules at sea and general coastal guidance, which contributes to many coastal rescue services being deployed.
Whether you are experienced at sea, or a novice, accidents can easily happen. Whilst warning signs are in place around coastal areas of the UK, the fact is few read or take note of them. They plunge into the water with their new watersports gear, paddle boards, kayaks, rubber rings etc... or set out on a vessel to discover hidden gems. However they are not educated on the perils of the sea or how to survive them. Unfortunately in the UK, fatalities due to cardiac arrests at sea and drownings are sadly not uncommon!
We have compiled 10 steps to follow to help potentially save a life!
Always tell someone your plans if you're heading out into the water, tell them, where, what time, the type of activity you're doing and when you expect to be back, check in with them on your return. Should you get into difficulty, someone will know to raise the alarm.
Look at the weather & tidal conditions prior to your outing, dont be a hero showing off that you are out in all weathers, you will look rather silly being brought back in by the Coastguard if you avoided weather warnings in the first place!
Lead by example, how many people go out to sea and do not wear a life jacket or Buoyancy aid? It's not about looks, these things save lives! If you can afford a boat, kayak or paddleboard, why wouldnt you buy the safety equipment? Scrimping on your pennies could cost in the long run, it could 'cost' a life! (N.B Life jackets should be serviced annually.)
Invest in a waterproof pouch for your phone. Having this around your neck whilst out, could help you contact emergency services (Coastguard) quickly. Also, pack a bottle of water into your dry bag, to keep hydrated. A whistle can also come in handy when trying to alert passing boats or people on shore.
Charge your phone fully before your outing and look up your local harbour master number and log it into your phone. Purchase a VHF for boating.
Learn the distress signals, research the best techniques to keeping afloat for your type of watersport, read this and memorise it.
A flare pack, for those wanting to gain the most awareness when in trouble, its' a very valuable investment.
Pack a thermal insulating blanket to wrap around anyone returning to shore that may have hypothermia.
DON'T PANIC!
Remember when in trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Or Channel 16 on your VHF radio in emergency.
At Rob Perry Marine, we believe that safety is paramount.
For information on life jacket servicing, flares or general guidance please contact our customer advisors Lauren & Victoria, who will be happy to help you.
Call:- 01297 631314