Opinion: Common sense needed on the water

Coastguard do a great job of keeping us safe on the water. PHOTO/FILE

It's amazing the attitude difference for some people between getting behind the wheel of a car and the controls of a boat.

While these days - generally speaking - most people are getting better at driving responsibly, following speed limits, wearing seatbelts and not drinking and driving, it seems for many boats are a different story.

I've seen times when people you'd think were rather law abiding get in a boat and lose any sense of judgment they had.

People who wouldn't speed on the roads go hooning around on the water without a second thought, no lifejackets and with a few beers down them.

It's always struck me as a bit out of kilter that people have to go through several licensing hoops to be allowed behind the wheel on the roads. There seem farfewer restrictions for getting out on the water.

So it is great to hear Coastguard president Barry Grouby say there have been very few incidents on the water over the busy summer holiday period.

While rules are still being broken, boaties' behaviour is better than previous years, according to those responsible for patrolling our lakes.

One can only hope this means the messages are getting through.

Interesting to note, though, are Mr Grouby's comments about lifejackets. He says while people spend thousands of dollars upgrading their boats, they keep the same old lifejackets that are no longer fit for the job.

It's a good reminder for people that like car seats for kids, it's important to regularly check lifejackets - including that the boat has enough for each person on board.

While there's plenty of fun to be had on the lakes in the region and getting out on the water is one of the best ways to spend a summer's day, a fun day out can turn to tragedy so quickly.