Cairns Water Police are urging boaties to check weather conditions before heading out on the water after a man beached his boat on Clifton Beach last week (Tuesday May 21).
Police received a Triple Zero call from the vessel owner, claiming he was concerned he would not be able to make it to the boat ramp safely, due to the weather.
The man ended up beaching his boat with the bow facing up the beach, and when the tide rose it became filled with sand and sea water with the wave action.
Water Police responded and winched the vessel away from the waters edge via vehicle, allowing the vessel to drain.
Officer in charge of the Cairns Water Police Sergeant Andrew Ibell said it’s vital boaties check the weather conditions, and ensure they’re prepared.
“Boating can be dangerous for anyone who isn’t experienced, or doesn’t have appropriate equipment on board,” Sergeant Ibell said.
“Please don’t go out in conditions that you don’t think you can handle and be aware it can deteriorate whilst you are out there.”
“If you need to beach your vessel, ensure to anchor the bow towards the waves.”
Water Police would like to remind the public to ensure their vessels are operational and carry the correct safety equipment.
- Maintain your vessel to a high standard or enlist someone to do it for you.
- Have the correct safety equipment in serviceable condition.
- Have an operating marine radio and know how to use it in an emergency.
- Know how to read a GPS correctly so that you can advise rescue authorities of your location using GPS coordinates.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you are returning in case something goes wrong, this way Water Police will then know where to start looking. This means telling family or friends, a local Volunteer Marine Rescue group or Coast Guard where you will be on the water, before you head off and update them if things change.
- Check the forecast weather, a bright sunny morning could change over the course of the day.
