SOUTH West locals love getting out on the water and enjoying the warmer weather but those with watercraft should take the necessary safety precautions before doing so.
Those are the words of Bunbury Sea Rescue Commander Albert Fullarton who said safety should be the number one priority for any one taking to the water this season.
Most boats have been sitting in sheds over winter so it’s important to check engines, fuel and safety before taking it out, he said.
"We encourage people to wear life jackets at all times because once their boat turns over, and it does happen, they are treading water."
- Bunbury Sea Rescue commander Albert Fullarton
“We recommend using a higher grade fuel in boats and to always make sure you go out with more than enough fuel to come back with some to spare,” Mr Fullarton said.
“If your fuel is more than three months old, just don’t use it.”
He said skippers tickets are a must for anyone on the water and the course can teach water lovers some nifty tricks you may not have thought of before.
“Check your flares are correct for the distance you’re going and make sure your radio doesn’t have salt built up on the aerial,” he said.
“We encourage people to wear life jackets at all times because once their boat turns over, and it does happen, they are treading water.
“Life jackets are hard to put on when you’re on land so imagine having to do it in the water.”
He said it’s important for skippers to log on and off with their radios.
“It’s so important to let people know where you’re going and when because it costs people big dollars to send us out to look for you,” Mr Fullarton said.
