The weather was not favourable for boating this week with strong winds keeping numbers low with only two activations required by Coast Guard Yeppoon.
On Tuesday 9 May a call was received in the morning from the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) to advise that a member of the public had noticed someone having difficulty trying to reboard a kayak that had capsized off Main Beach Yeppoon with one person on board (POB).
Marine Assist Rescue was dispatched to provide any assistance needed to recover the paddler and/or kayak.
A parallel search pattern along Main Beach Yeppoon from Ross creek towards Bangalee and back towards Ross Creek was carried out.
No person or craft was sighted, and the Coast Guard vessel returned to base.
On Wednesday 10 May during the evening a call was received from QAS for a medical evacuation from a large vessel in Keppel Bay.
Marine Assist Rescue was dispatched with two QAS personnel on board.
In rough seas, once alongside the vessel, it was judged to be too high a risk for extraction of the person.
This decision was based on potential damage to both vessels, and potential injury to both the QAS personnel and the person who needed to be ferried across to the Coast Guard vessel.
The QAS advised the vessel to contact them again in daylight when they would reassess the situation.
Marine Assist Rescue returned to Rosslyn Bay Harbour with the QAS personnel.
SAFETY MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK
Keep your children safe on your boating trip
Below are some safety tips that will help keep your children safe, while also enjoying their boat trip.
• Life Jackets – It is compulsory for children under 12 years of age to always wear a life jacket on a vessel under 4.8 metres while under way. Infants under 12 months of age must be held securely by a responsible adult. An appropriate life jacket should be suited to the child’s weight and size, and fit snuggly and comfortably. Small children should have a crotch strap that is always used.
Regularly check that all lifejackets are serviceable –
• Supervision – Children always require adult supervision while on the boat, even if wearing life jackets and irrespective of their swimming experience. It can take a split second for your child to fall overboard so you must always know where your children are.
• Safety Plan – Explain basic boat rules, ensuring children understand directions, such as, always keeping hands and feet inside the boat. Inform older children about the safety equipment, such as the fire extinguisher, flares, radio, and whistles etc. Remember to teach younger children how to dial 000. Discuss an emergency plan should someone fall into the water.