NSRI SAFETY MESSAGE

BOATERS AND PADDLERS:Launching your craft in fine weather could see you fighting through a major storm only hours later and we therefore urge anyone making use of the sea and on inland waters to carefully check weather forecasts before launching. Take all the necessary safety precautions into account in order to be prepared for the worse if weather conditions change adversely or if you land up, unexpectedly, in an emergency situation.Prepare yourself and your crew for an emergency. Don't try to handle an emergency situation for the first time in a real emergency!Anyone launching any kind of craft to go to sea or on inland waters should always have a safety plan :-Always let a responsible person know your time of departure, the route you plan to travel and your estimated return time. And stick to your route and plans. Make sure the responsible person has an action plan well versed to contact the NSRI if you do not return as scheduled.-Check that your craft and equipment are in good working order and carry the correct safety approvals and certifications. Make sure your craft has your name and a land based contact number and your details stenciled on the craft.-Have your nearest NSRI emergency phone number stored in your phone (You can obtain your nearest NSRI emergency phone number from NSRI's Head Office during office hours at 021 – 4344011 or on this site).The other vital national emergency phone number is 10177 for the ambulance service (from any phone).-Plan for an emergency before launching onto water so that if you land up in a life threatening situation the steps you take to ensure your survival are well rehearsed.-Life-Jackets are the safety belts when you are on water and should be worn at all times.-Have your communications devices, a cell-phone or VHF radio, with fully charged batteries stored in watertight plastic sleeves attached to your life-jacket.-Carry red distress flares, a signaling mirror or CD disc, a referees whistle, a waterproof torch and wear the correct brightly colored gear and a hat and sunscreen and keep yourselves well hydrated.Safety and ensuring your survival when the odds, or the weather, unexpectedly turn against you begins before you leave home. We recommending that boaters and paddlers practice for a capsize by jumping into a swimming pool with all their gear ... and practice using their safety equipment. It is no good familiarizing yourself with your safety equipment for the first time in a real emergency.