Zane's Water Safety Services

Heading out on the water on a Personal Watercraft (PWC)? Make sure you are aware of the specific rules designed to keep both yourself and others safe on the water. PWC's can be fast and powerful vessels - dangerous if ridden irresponsibly. Stay safe ⚓️

Below are a few links that outline PWC (which includes jet powered surfboards) safety regulations;

PWC Handbook -
https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-03/Personal-watercraft-handbook.pdf

Safety Equipment -
https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/waterways-safety-and-rules/lifejackets-and-safety-equipment/equipment-checklist -personal-watercraft-pwc

Restricted and Prohibited Zones -
https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/using-waterways/restrictions-and-closures/personal-watercraft-pwc-operating-areas

Lifejackets -
https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/waterways-safety-and-rules/lifejackets-and-safety-equipment/when-to-wear-a-lifejacket

PWC Behaviour Label -
https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-03/PWC-behaviour-label.pdf

Operation ‘Know Your Limits’ is in full swing here in Bendalong.

This weekend Maritime is out on NSW waterways, checking boaters know their limits when towing, going offshore, keeping to the speed limit, checking the weather and conditions, alcohol consumption and wearing lifejackets, especially as we motor into Australia Day.

We want everyone to have a fantastic time out on the water this summer and make it home safe at the end of the day. Happy boating!

An important message guys especially in the Hawkesbury please know the rules and be cautious when it comes to crossing through the path of a ferry.

In the past few months we’ve had a few cable strikes from vessels. If on a waterway with a vehicle ferry, please obey the following:

Vehicular ferries are significantly restricted in their ability to manoeuvre. Give way to them.

Vehicular ferries drag themselves across channels using wire cables. These cables are below the water and the danger of striking a ferry wire may not be seen. As the the ferry is being hauled across the river it causes the front cable to become taut and rise up towards the surface. The best option is to wait until ferry is on the bank and loading/unloading when the cables are slack.

What to do when approaching a vehicle ferry

Slow down to 4 knots within 100 metres and sound a signal if you crossing and the ferry has not departed.
Do not pass ahead of vehicular ferry whilst it is travelling across the river. Stop, give way and wait until it has reached the ramp.
A vehicular ferry underway will display a orange all-round flashing light by day and night.
At night the vehicular ferries display an all-round red light at both ends with an all-round green light over the red light to indicate the direction of travel

No matter what horsepower you're riding, know your limits and be considerate to other water-neigh users 🐴🛥

🌬️☁️ Clouds rolling in over Lake Macquarie can’t keep us away. We’re holding on to our hats and planning ahead for windy conditions today.

If you’re heading out on the water today, it’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going and when to expect you back 🤳

Make sure you have all your safety equipment on board and wear your lifejacket- it could save your life! 🦺

Happy Saturday! If you're taking the ski out for a spin today, don't foget to pack the 3 C's, along with your lifejacket and licence 👍

See ya out on the water! 🌊

With busy boat ramps at this time of year, here's a refresher on correct boat ramp etiquette:

👉 Don’t forget the 3 C’s – care, courtesy and common sense
👉 BEFORE pulling up, check that all your safety equipment is on board, your battery is charged, you’ve got enough fuel for the trip and that the trailer safety chain is connected
👉 Stay in your lane, launch quickly and move your vehicle promptly

What have we missed? Let us know in the comments below 👇👇👇

👀 We've just welcomed six new jet skis to our fleet to help us patrol popular waterways across the state.

🌊 They’re great fun to ride but please remember, you must have a PWC licence to ride a jet ski, keep a clear distance from others and always keep a look out.

👀 UPDATE: There is a temporary 15-knot speed limit in place for the next two weeks from Windsor to Spencer.

❌ There is also no towing due to the large amount of debris in the water.

👉 We will notify waterway users once these restrictions are lifted and conditions are safer.

SHARKSKIN Titanium Chillproof continues to impress with unprecedented warmth equivalent to 5mm neoprene, no buoyancy, no compression at depth and much more comfortable than a wetsuit.

Photo by In frame Trip with