As Aussies gear up for boating season, authorities and experts are warning safety starts well before hitting the water. And that means checking batteries before the first trip is planned.
With the weather heating up and Christmas holidays rapidly approaching, Australia is hitting peak boating season.
Battery World is supporting Marine Rescue NSW calls for boaties to take the time to conduct essential safety precautions. One simple battery check could be the difference between a fun day out on the water and disaster.
In 2024 Marine Rescue NSW completed 4,735 rescues, of which 1,364 were classified as emergency rescues.
In September this year, Marine Rescue NSW conducted 372 rescues.
Dan Duemmer, Acting Deputy Commissioner at Marine Rescue NSW, said 60% of marine emergencies could be prevented if skippers check their equipment, especially batteries.
“We do have a lot of new boaties heading out on the water, which we love to see,” said Act. Dep. Comm. Duemmer.
“My top advice for anyone going boating this summer season is be prepared and plan. What that means is make sure your engine is serviced, make sure you’ve got enough fuel, make sure your battery is in good working order, always wear a life jacket and carry the correct safety equipment.”
Kent Carr, Battery World Black Wall franchise partner and local boating expert, says it’s important to check the current – both on the water, and in your battery, before launching.
“One of the most common reasons we see people for boating issues is a battery that’s been left over winter in a boat or a jet ski which has been drained and generally killed.” Carr shared.
“If you’re going out on the water, you’ve just got to be prepared.
“You’ve got to make sure that your boat or jet ski battery is checked, because you don’t want to be out there on the water stranded with a flat battery.”
Carr’s top tips to make sure you are boating-ready this summer:
- Get your battery checked to ensure it is in good condition.
- Make sure your boat or jet ski battery is charged, especially if it has been sitting unused over winter.
- Use a maintenance charger or triple charger to keep the battery healthy during periods of inactivity.
- Look for signs of battery failure, such as low voltage or the engine not starting even if the lights work.
- Consider carrying a lithium jump starter as emergency gear in case the battery fails while on the water.
- Don’t let a flat battery ruin your boating adventures.
Battery World offers free battery checks, so boaties can feel confident on the water.
For more information visit www.batteryworld.com.au
