Latest marine campaign urges skippers to Take care be prop aware
Release date: 06/02/12Boat propeller strikes can cause serious harm to water users, and prevention is the focus of the Department of Transport’s (DoT) latest marine safety education campaign ‘Take care be prop aware’.
DoT Coordinator of Safety Education Laurie Adams said the campaign followed on from the recently launched ‘You’re the skipper, You’re responsible’ campaign, and provided skippers with useful advice on preventing propeller strikes.
“Last year there were 221 recorded marine incidents in Western Australia, including three propeller strikes,” he said.
“Unfortunately as propellers are under the water they can be easily ignored or forgotten, but a strike from a propeller can cause serious injury to a person or death.
“As the skipper you are accountable for how your actions affect your passengers and other water users nearby.”
Mr Adams said the campaign advice included:
- Keeping a proper lookout and slowing down, especially when near swimmers and other waterway users
- Staying out of designated swimming areas
- Keeping all arms and legs inside the boat
- Wearing a kill-switch lanyard when boating alone.
“When skippers remain vigilant and consider the area around the propeller as a hazard zone, they are ensuring incidents are prevented.
“By using common sense and remembering these important safety messages, skippers are controlling the outcome of their day on the water,” he said.
For more information on ‘Take care be prop aware’ visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/marine
Media contact: Jacinda Brown (08) 6551 6221
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