Hebe Jebes Issue Sep to Oct 2013 Sep 2013 | Page 32

NEWS

Watch out, Big Brother’s watching you
MarDep, HKPF & LCSD join forces to launch
marine safety initiatives
Officers of the Marine Police and the Marine
Department (MarDep) are continuing to step up
their patrol activities in speed-restricted zones,
waters in the vicinity of popular beaches and
watersport sites, and will take action against any
illegal or reckless boating activities.
Lifeguards from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department
(LCSD) will also keep an eye out for errant boating activities at
beaches and adjacent waters and will alert officers of MarDep and
the Marine Police to take law enforcement action against offenders
when necessary.
Ivan Tung, Acting Director of Marine—speaking at the 2013
Safety Afloat Educational Seminar—commented on the number
of accidents involving swimmers and boat operators that had
occurred in the past few years in waters near beaches. He
highlighted that many of the accidents had arisen from a lack of
safety awareness on the par t of waterspor t par ticipants.
Tung pointed out that the major causes of such accidents
included inadequate preparation by boat operators and
those engaging in waterspor t activities. He reminded boat
operators to check appliances and equipment on board and
to familiarise themselves with all the safety precautions and
contingency measures.

30 Hebe jebes

Advice on avoiding watersport accidents
Tips prior to setting sail
• ensure all equipment is in good order ;
• batteries should be properly maintained to lower the risk
of shor t circuits and/or flash fires;
• take heed of weather conditions and warnings;
• plan the voyage carefully—consider whether the waters
are suitable for the vessel to navigate in and to conduct
relevant spor ting activities in; and
• ensure enough experienced crew members are on board
to guide and monitor passengers to follow safe practices
when taking par t in waterspor t activities.
Tips during the trip
• boat operators and swimmers should be aware of their
own and others’ safety when taking par t in activities;
• if you see other waterspor t activities nearby take
appropriate safety measures to avoid any possible risk; and
• keep a close eye on swimmers who have been/are drinking
alcohol—what seems like a laugh at the time can quickly
turn nasty if panic/heatstroke/cramp unexpectedly kick in.
Tips for swimmers
• before swimming at sea, swimmers should practise their
skills and know their own abilities and limits;
• refrain from swimming immediately after consumption of
food, alcohol or drugs; and
• take care of companions and avoid swimming alone or far
away from companions.