Newsplash - October 2009
Safety tip
Use your brain, don’t play in pipes and drains!
Playing in storm water pipes and drains is dangerous at any time of the year and there is a high risk of serious injury or drowning. Now that the wet season has set in, water pipes and drains will start to flow and may look tempting to swim in. Pipes and drains can be very unpredictable as heavy rain fills them without warning.
This community awareness campaign is an initiative of the Northern Territory Water Safety Advisory Council, in conjunction with the NT Government, Darwin City Council and the City of Palmerston.
For more information contact the Water Safety Branch on 1300 301 059.
Fishing and boating tips
Marine safety definitions
Nautical Mile
Is a sea mile, equal to approximately 1850 metres.
Knot
Is the nautical measure of speed. 1 knot is equivalent to speed of 1.85km per hour.
Anchor cable
Means a short link chain cable or rope to which not less than 3 meters of chain cable is shackled between that rope and an anchor attached to it.
Length
In relation to a pleasure craft, means the greater distance between the foremost and aftermost parts of the vessel measured in a straight line parallel to its keel.
Sea
Includes every arm, estuary or river which is part of the sea and is within the ebb and flow of the tide at ordinary spring tides.
Serviceable
In relation to a pleasure craft or tender, means the hull and all fittings of the pleasure craft or tender and safety equipment carried on it are: sound in condition and ready and suitable for immediate use.
School visits
In the lead up to Water Safety Week 2009, Boof the Barra, the water safety mascot visited students at eleven schools across the Territory.
Children were presented with five key water safety messages to help keep them stay safe in and around the water. The messages were:
- Always shut the pool gate
- Ensure you have an adult supervising you
- Look for and obey all safety signs
- Always wear a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) when on a boat or other water craft
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags when at the beach.
The children also had the chance to perform the ‘Be water safety wise’ song and dance along with Boof!
If your school would like a visit from Boof and his water safety friends, please call Danielle on 1300 301 059 or email danielle.francis@nt.gov.au
Snippets
Water Safety Week was held from 21 to 30 September and was a huge success. The week was officially launched at St. Mary’s Primary School on Monday 21 September by Minister Rob Knight.
Throughout Water Safety Week, Territorians enjoyed the exciting free activities and events and learnt about water safety in the Northern Territory.
Splashfest was held Sunday 27 September at the Waterfront Precinct and was packed full of activities for the whole family, with Boof the Barra making appearances throughout the day! The “Be Boof’s Back Up Dancers” competition was won by Chantelle, Courtney and Chenoa Weippert and Jessica Roach and Mikele Manser, who performed their fantastic dance on the day. Boof the Barra and the water safety team also made a special visit to Jabiru Town Pool for a free family fun day and BBQ!
The water safety team would like to thank all sponsors, and look forward to making Water Safety Week bigger and better in 2010.
The water safety team joined YMCA Palmerston Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre for their open day celebrations on Saturday 3 October. Staff were on hand to promote the free Under 5 Water Safety Awareness Program and discuss general water safety matters.
Our Vision – To reduce the rate of drowning, near drowning and water related injuries in the Northern Territory.
Contact Us: Water Safety Branch
Ph: 1300 301 059 Fax: 8999 8520 Email: watersafety@nt.gov.au
Please contact us if you do not wish to receive this newsletter or if you would like to change the address for delivery.
School visits
The water safety team visited Middle Point School, Borroloola and Gulf Group Schools in August and September. Middle Point School students from transition to year 6, as well as Borroloola and Gulf Group students from pre-school to year 12, participated in fun learning activities. The children participated in water safety lessons including safe swimming areas, water safety signs, dangerous marine animals and boating safety. The school visits were a huge success and greatly appreciated by staff and students.
