With school holidays underway, Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is urging those who decide to brave the cold and head out on the water to put their safety first.
While not as busy as the warmer months, there are still many people who use GMW lakes, dams and reservoirs for boating and fishing during the winter.
Royal Life Saving Australia’s National Drowning Report 2023 found that 20 percent of drownings in Victoria in 2022/23 occurred during the winter, highlighting that water safety is a year-round issue.
GMW Water Storage Services general manager Alan Shea said it was important people took the necessary precautions ahead of their visits.
“During the winter we tend to get fewer people visiting our storages but more people who will go out boating alone,” he said.
“If you are heading out on the water, you should always tell a friend specifically where you are going and when you plan to be back.
“People should also consider taking a personal locater beacon with them. Mobile phone coverage is often patchy at our storages, so you may not be able to call someone if something goes wrong.”
Wearing a life jacket is a legal requirement in many situations. However, Mr Shea said avoiding a fine was not the main incentive to wear them.
“One of the single most important things people can do to ensure their safety is to wear a life jacket,” he said.
“This is particularly the case during the winter, as people can often go into shock when they fall in the water because of the low temperatures.”
Mr Shea encouraged people to use the resources available to them to help prepare their trips.
“There is plenty of information online regarding the waterway rules for different storages, and practical steps people can take to ensure their safety,” he said.
“There are some fantastic fishing and boating spots in our region, so as long as visitors prepare adequately and put safety first, they should have a fantastic time.”
The GMW website has recreation guides for several of its major storages that provide visitors with an overview of the water storages, their facilities, and safety guidelines: gmwater.com.au/recreation/ recreation-guides
Information and advice on water safety is also available on the GMW website as well as the Transport Safety Victoria website — safetransport.vic.gov.au