With visitation to lakes, dams, and reservoirs likely to rise during the Melbourne Cup public holiday and the preceding weekend, agencies are urging people to stay safe and obey the rules.
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) Water Storage Services general manager Martina Cusack urged everyone heading out onto the water to put safety first.
“Some simple preparation before a visit can go a long way to ensuring your visit is a safe one,” she said.
“Making sure you have all the relevant safety equipment and are familiar with the rules at the storage you are visiting – including the speed restrictions and designated boating areas – can be the difference between an enjoyable trip and a disastrous one.”
While full storages are great for recreation, Ms Cusack said it also meant there were some extra safety factors for people to consider.
“With water levels still quite high at many of our storages, people should take extra care on the water with the knowledge there can be a lot of hazards beneath the surface that may not be visible,” she said.
“Whether they are boating or swimming, people should also stay well away from weirs and regulators. The water near these structures may seem calm, but they can create very strong currents that can easily drag people under.”
For many people heading out on the water, it may also be the first time they have done so since new regulations came into place.
The Marine Safety Regulations 2023 came into effect in August 2023, replacing the Marine Safety Regulations 2012. Most notably, these include new rules around people refuelling vessels.
When vessels are being refuelled, only one person is allowed to be on board at any time. Others may only board the vessel after the engine has been started.
When refuelling vessels people must ensure all pilot lights on their vessels must be extinguished. For houseboat owners, this includes fully turning off hot water systems and gas fridges, and not just turning them off at the bottle.
For a lot of people, it will be also be their first time using their boats in several months.
People can ensure they are fit for purpose before taking them out on the water by checking the battery is charged, inspecting the boat for any fuel leaks or damage to the hull, and making sure they have all the appropriate first aid and safety equipment with them.
The Marine Safety Regulations 2023 can be found on the Victorian Legislation website.
GMW has recreation guides for its storages on its website to help people see what activities are allowed and what regulations are in place at each location: www.g-mwater.com.au/recreation/recreation-guides
Further information on safe boating and waterway rules can be found on the Safe Transport Victoria website.