The Coroner has urged recreational boat users to be vigilant after the deaths of three men last year.
Coroner Audrey Jamieson said the incidents highlighted the importance of education and competency training.
“Recreational boating is an integral part of the lifestyle of many Victorians,” Ms Jamieson said.
“All persons operating a vessel or persons onboard should be aware of the incidental risks of undertaking such activities, especially in locations that entail heightened risk.”
Queenscliff Coast Guard commander Michael Donohue said there were a number of safety precautions people should take before heading out onto the water.
“Take good care of your vessel before you go out, make sure everything’s running well. Make sure you’ve had it serviced and it’s in good operating order. Always wear a lifejacket at all times, even if you’re not in an area where you’re not required to. Keep it on at all times.”
Mr Donohue said people were all too often inadequately prepared for their trip.
“Some of the more common mistakes people make is they’re not sure of where they’re going. They’re not familiar with their surroundings that can cause them to run into shallow water and run aground that can cause them to run into rocks and do damage to their vessel.
“The other part of that is they’re not familiar with the channel markers and indicators of where it’s safe to boat.
“The other dangerous part about boating at Queenscliff is the route, which is the entrance to Port Phillip, and you can get, depending on the tidal conditions, quite extreme and sudden wave actions through the rip that cause difficulty.”
“We had a boat overturned just out of the rip last year and fortunately, the young fellows that were in the boat were all wearing life jackets, were capable swimmers and were able to get out of the circumstance.”
He also encourages people to be cautious of their surroundings and get help if need be.
“People need to understand that the ocean can be a little dangerous and if you’re inexperienced or unfamiliar with the region, then speak to people with local knowledge. Contact the coast guard if you’re going out and find out what issues there may be.”
