The Minister for Fishing and Boating has launched a new mobile app safety campaign aimed at better preparing boaters and fishers across the state for a safer summer on the water.
The Minister, Jaala Pulford said the app and campaign encouraged boaters to check the weather and be prepared before they set off on the water.
“While many boaters check the weather before heading out, they often fail to continue checking the weather during their trip,” Ms Pulford said.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced boater or getting out on the water for the first time – conditions on the water can change very quickly,” she said.
Ms Pulford said a recent evaluation of Maritime Safety Victoria’s 2018/19 campaign found that 50 per cent of boaters and 85 per cent of paddlers didn’t check the weather while out on the water.
She said Boating Vic, a website and mobile app, provided targeted information for over 450 boat ramps and launch locations across Victoria.
She said the app included ramp and carpark vision, along with localised information such as marine weather forecasts, warnings, notifications, facility information and safety advice from a range of agencies.
“Boating Vic will give boaters localised marine weather like never before.”
“Alongside the app, the new safety campaign Know the Weather, Get Boating Vic, calls on all boaters and paddlers to think about trip preparation and weather changes to ensure they get home safely,” Ms Pulford said.
