A safety course for paddle-craft users was conducted recently by Marine Rescue Central Coast.
Members of both Central Coast Kayaking and Newcastle based Sea Kayak Adventure groups gained experience in the form of safety tips and survival methods from the new course, compiled by MRCC member, Dr Steven Constantine.
The Sea Kayak Adventure group was formed for people with little or no sea kayaking experience to explore coasts, beaches, bays, lakes and islands by sea kayak, while the Central Coast group describes itself as an “easy social paddle kayak” organisation.
The course, held at Gosford, covered all aspects of safety, including the importance of letting Marine Rescue know when you head out and return, how to manage an incident and reporting your location.
Free mobile phone apps that are available, including those from Marine Rescue, Paddle Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology and the Australian developed Emergency Plus, were discussed in detail during the informative two-hour session.
Both kayaking groups were well represented and were “very receptive” to the safety issues discussed, Constantine said.
Marine Rescue Central Coast is keen to offer similar safety educational courses to other water-based recreational groups in the area.
Contact Steven Constantine at MRCC on 4337 9600.