Health and Safety (Boating on Lough Melvin)

Before Leaving:-

• Check the weather, is there a small craft warning or are there gale

force winds forecast?

• Choose the right clothing for the length of time afloat.

• Check that the boat is in good condition and has no water in it.

Make sure that all seating/thwarts are fixed to the boat and at least

100mm or 4 inches below the gunwales.

• Have a good pair of oars and a pair of oarlocks/tholl pins. Check

that the engine is working properly. Always have enough fuel to

cover all eventualities.

• Have spare new spark plugs, emergency starter cord and a tool kit.

• Make sure that somebody ashore knows where you intend fishing

and when you are due back.

• Have a charged mobile phone with you (Emergency No 999).

Before boarding have everybody put on a life jacket or a personal

flotation device suitable for their size.

• Make sure that you have the necessary safety equipment aboard

and that it is in good condition.

• Exercise road safety issues with regard to the general public in the

car parks at all times.

• Use common sense at all times to avoid immediate danger. Take

account of other persons or boats on the water.

• All operations and movement on the boat should be governed by

the prevailing wave and wind conditions.

• Attach the kill cord if fitted to some part of your clothing. When

under way do not leave an engine in gear unattended. Do not

suddenly change position or lean over the side

• Only one person at a time should change seats.

• Should a line tangle the propeller row ashore to remove the

obstacle.

• When drifting near a shore or rocks start your engine in sufficient

time.

• If a person falls overboard get the person along side the boat and

head for the shore or shallow water as quickly as practicable. Be

aware of rotating propeller.

• Should you fall overboard get to the boat, stay with it, hold on to

it and if possible tie yourself to it. STAY WITH THE BOAT. If the

boat is swamped or capsizes, always remain with the boat and if

in cold water get as far out of the water as is possible. Get everybody