Key tips for safe and enjoyable boating during the colder months
Always wear a life jacket
Wearing a life jacket in cold conditions is essential for personal safety. Cold water can rapidly affect breathing, muscle control, and strength, increasing the risk of cold shock, incapacitation, and drowning.
In water temperatures below 15C, muscle strength and coordination can be significantly reduced within 10 to 15 minutes, making self-rescue difficult or impossible. A properly fitted life jacket provides immediate buoyancy, helping you stay afloat even if your strength and mobility are impaired.
A life jacket also helps keep your airway clear of the water and supports a safer floating position. By reducing the risk of drowning and conserving energy, it can significantly increase survival time while waiting for rescue.
Regularly checking weather conditions is essential when boating during the cooler months.
Staying weather-aware helps reduce risks and ensure a safe return to shore.
Weather conditions during the cooler months can change rapidly, bringing strong winds, rough seas, reduced visibility, and sudden temperature drops. These conditions can affect vessel handling, navigation and overall safety on the water.
Checking weather forecasts before departure and monitoring conditions throughout your journey can help you identify potential hazards early and make informed decisions. Using reliable forecast services such as the Bureau of Meteorology and keeping an eye on local weather observations can provide valuable updates as conditions change.
Wearing appropriate clothing when boating is essential
Low air and water temperatures increase the risk of hypothermia and cold shock. Wearing appropriate clothing is essential for retaining body heat and reducing the effects of cold conditions.
Dress in thermal layers with waterproof, wind-resistant outer clothing and insulated footwear. Wearing clothing suitable for the conditions improves comfort, reduces fatigue and can help increase survival time in an emergency.
Carry a change of clothes in a waterproof bag. Having dry clothing available can help restore body warmth and comfort if you become wet during your journey.
Prepare for cold conditions
Cool weather can place extra strain on boats, engines and on-board systems, increasing the risk of breakdowns. Regular maintenance and pre-departure checks can improve reliability and safety on the water.
Test batteries and keep them fully charged. Inspect wiring for loose connections, wear, and corrosion and ensure that navigation lights, radios, GPS units and bilge pumps are working properly.
Service engines regularly and check fuel systems for signs of damage or deterioration. Keeping fuel tanks full can help reduce condensation and fuel contamination, while regular inspection of fuel lines and water separators can help prevent problems before they occur.
Make sure all required safety gear is on board, easily accessible and in good working condition.
It is important to carry the required safety equipment for your vessel and check it regularly to ensure it is in good working order.
In an emergency, safety gear must be accessible and ready to use. Damaged or expired equipment can increase the risk of a serious incident.
The marine environment can quickly degrade equipment, so store it in a dry location and ensure crew members know where it is stowed and how to use it. Consider carrying extra items such as spare torch batteries and a waterproof pouch for your phone.
Tell someone you know your plans
Every minute counts in a search-and-rescue operation. With fewer daylight hours during the cooler months, sharing your trip plans, expected return time, who is on board, and details of your vessel with a reliable person ashore can help authorities respond quickly and accurately if you need assistance.
For more information about mandatory boating safety requirements, or to check and pay for Tasmanian licensing and registration, visit www.mast.tas.gov.au
Storm Eastley is the Senior Recreational Boating Safety Officer
Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST)
Published in The Mercury, Saturday 5 September 2026