With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting very heavy rain with flooding along many North Coast and Mid North Coast Rivers in coming days, Marine Rescue NSW is urging boaters to prepare their vessels now and to delay going out on the water until conditions ease.
Marine Rescue Zone Commander North, Mal Jeffs, said with conditions deteriorating, it was important that boaters were well prepared.
“Flood warnings have already been issued for the Tweed, Wilsons and Bellinger Rivers with more heavy rain forecast and further rivers expected to experience flooding.”
“Boaters should immediately secure their vessel’s mooring or remove it from the water, fix storm covers, and consider what other actions they need to do to keep their vessel safe should river levels continue to rise.”
Mr Jeffs said that boaters should stay home rather than heading out on the water.
“Rising seas and swell will make coastal bars extremely hazardous and conditions offshore will become increasingly dangerous with heavy rain, poor visibility and strong winds.”
“Even if you are intending to stay in enclosed waters, flooding on coastal rivers and estuaries may result in strong currents and submerged and floating debris. Navigation markers may become submerged, moved or damaged, and channels and shoals may be shifted to new areas, making boating extremely dangerous. Access and egress points such as boat ramps may become submerged or difficult to access safely.”
“Once conditions ease, boaters are reminded to always Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue on VHF Channel 16 or via the Marine Rescue NSW App.”
Media contact: Phil Campbell – media@mrnsw.com.au – 0419 126 891
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