With the Bureau of Meteorology again forecasting very heavy rain with flooding in coming days, Marine Rescue NSW has urged boaters to prepare their vessels now and to delay going out on the water until conditions ease.
Marine Rescue Zone Commander North, Mal Jeffs, said that with conditions set to deteriorate, it was important that boaters were well prepared.
“A Flood Watch has been issued for minor to major flooding on most coastal rivers between the Hawkesbury Nepean and the Queensland border,” Jeffs said.
“In flooding early this month many boats broke their moorings and were damaged or sank.
“Boaters should immediately secure their vessel’s mooring or remove it from the water, fix storm covers, and consider what other actions they need to do to keep their vessel safe should river levels continue to rise.”
Jeffs said that boaters should stay home rather than heading out on the water.
“Rising seas and swell in coming days will make coastal bars treacherous and conditions offshore will become increasingly dangerous with heavy rain, poor visibility and strong winds,” Jeffs said.
“Even if you are intending to stay in enclosed waters, flooding on coastal rivers and estuaries may result in strong currents and submerged and floating debris.
“Navigation markers may become submerged, moved or damaged, and channels and shoals may be shifted to new areas, making boating extremely dangerous. “Access and egress points such as boat ramps may become submerged or difficult to access safely. The safest bet is to stay at home and wait until conditions ease.”
Marine Rescue NSW reminded boaters that when conditions ease, they are to always Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue on VHF Channel 16 or via the Marine Rescue NSW App.
Maisy Rae