Do you know how to use your safety equipment?

This is the message Queensland Water Police will be asking the thousands of boaties that will be heading out on waterways these school holidays.

With a large number of different brands and types of safety equipment now available to boat owners, it is important to take the time to understand how to operate and use these life saving devices before you hit the water.

Senior Sergeant Thiry said people should spend to spend 5 to 10 minutes reading and recognising how their safety equipment functions before they head out for the holidays.

“Having a good knowledge of how to put on a life jacket or activate a distress flare before the need arises is a necessary skill for anyone on the water,” he said.

“It’s also a good time to check your equipment is in good condition and hasn’t reached its expiry date.”

“A number of Water Police operations will run from 16 September to 1 October across the state, targeting marine safety, drugs and alcohol offences. Joint patrols will also be conducted with other government agencies to ensure safety of everyone on the water.”

A few other things to remember that might save your life.

• Always check your vessel, engine/s and boat trailer before leaving home.

• Tell someone where you are going and when you are returning in case something goes wrong, this way Water Police will then know where to start looking. This means telling family or friends, a local Volunteer Marine Rescue group or Coast Guard where you will be on the water, before you head off and update them if things change.

• Check the forecast weather, a bright sunny morning could change over the course of the day.

• Most importantly, make sure everyone on your boat knows how to use all the safety equipment in the event of an emergency.

• For boats requiring an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), make sure it is registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and your details are up to date. Click the link for further details http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/registration/index.asp

“Remember – Be safe on the water these holidays.”