Kids in boats and lucky winners

by Tin Can Bay Coastguard

The summer school holidays are in full swing, and what better way to entertain your kids than getting out on the water.

It is unfortunately a time where accidents and rescues peak for us, and almost all of these incidents are preventable. Children, especially, need close supervision in boats.

Boating and Fisheries patrol officers, along with Water Police are likely to be about checking registrations, safety equipment, licences, alcohol consumption as well as fishing regulations. Check your equipment thoroughly to ensure it will pass any test.

If you are unsure what you need for the area you are operating in, the regulations are online, or you can call into the base at Tin Can Bay and get a free copy of the Queensland Recreational Boating and Fishing Guide, released in October 2020.

It is compulsory for all persons under 12 to wear a lifejacket in an open boat under 4.8 metres when underway, and for all persons on a personal watercraft or being towed on anything.

Every year there are incidents such as drownings and severe injury where children are not properly supervised. It may be fun to sit on the bow while underway, but if you fall into the water, the chances of being struck by the propeller are very high.

Now some good news. Our popular Christmas raffle of a wheelbarrow full of beer, wine and spirits sold out earlier than expected. It was drawn by Mark from Cooloola Mitre 10 who generously supplied the wheelbarrow.

The lucky winner was Alana of Tin Can Bay, with second and third prizes also being won by local residents.

Keep an eye out in early 2021 for another major raffle, vital fundraising that has kept us operating in the local area for nearly 40 years.

Please stay safe on the water and you have fun these holidays.