We know that safety isn’t the most interesting topic in the world, but as the boating experience that you’ll be embarking on isn’t a chartered boat ride, it is incredibly important that you are aware of how to remain safe whilst out on the water. Below is our three top tips on how to stay safe during your time on the water.

Tip 1: Do the five vital weather safety checks

Before embarking upon your adventure, it is important to check the current weather conditions, along with the possible changes throughout the day. The Bureau of Meteorology advises on the following checks: marine warnings; changing weather; wind conditions; wave conditions; tide times. Simple things such as the change in weather or wind conditions can massively affect your experience on the water, which is why it is so important to check these aspects ahead of your trip.

The Bureau of Meteorology regularly updates warnings and safety issues on their website to inform you of any issues that you may have whilst out on the water. For more information, visit The Bureau of Meteorology’s official website: http://www.bom.gov.au/marine/knowledge-centre/hazards.shtml

Not only will the Bureau of Meteorology provide you with all of your weather safety information whilst on the water, but their daily forecasts will include helpful information such as UV levels and the most important time of the day to be using sun protection.

Tip 2: Wear your lifejackets

We cannot begin to express how important it is that everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket, regardless of your boating experience. It may not be the most fashionable item of clothing, but it could save your life – it’s there in the name!

Tip 3: Know your boundaries

It is incredibly important that you are aware of how far offshore you are able to go within our boats. For boat hires that require a marine license, they are restricted to smooth and partially smooth waters only – no further than Blue Sky’s Designated Operational Areas – whilst our Tinny Boat is only available to go 0.5 Nautical Miles offshore. To ensure that you are remaining safe in your designated area, we will provide you with maps that clearly show all possible boundaries.

As well as being aware of the distance available to travel in your selected boat, it is also important that you are aware of the Conservation Zones that apply to the waters of Hervey Bay, The Great Sandy Strait Marine Park. Certain areas of the waters will have specific rules that are enforced by law, including: go slow zones; no-go zones; no fishing zones; limited fishing hooks/rods zones. These zones are there for both your own safety, and the safety of any wildlife in Hervey Bay.

Our preferred apps and sites for current local wind and weather conditions are:

WINDY APP - www.windy.com

WILLY WEATHER APP - www.willyweather.com.au

BOM APP - www.bom.gov.au/marine/#qld & www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/hervey-bay-waters.shtml