Ask the experts: post-flood waters

From submerged debris to compromised water quality, there can be numerous safety hazards for boaters following a flood. Two boating safety experts share some key risk mitigation advice to help you stay safe.

Adam Smith, President of the Boating Industry Association and Owner of Australian Boating College Sydney.

Unless you absolutely have no other choice, simply avoid flooded waters. Like driving your car on a flooded road, it’s not worth the risk. The unseen hazards are as dangerous or more so than those you can see.

After storms or flooding, enclosed waters (harbours and rivers) will contain unknown risks and hazards for some time. Debris in the water and on the seabed will be new or moved, navigation aids may have disappeared or moved, and the water itself will be murky, so you can’t see anything below the surface where you may normally have been able to.

Extreme storms and flooding can also overload sewage systems and see untreated water discharged into waterways. In flooding, all manner of chemicals and contaminants can also be washed off the land into rivers and harbours, then out to sea. While we would all agree that we shouldn’t go into this water, there is always the risk of ending up in there unintentionally or having this water splashing on us while underway. Even touching a mooring or anything that has been in that water can transfer disease to you and make you sick. Stay off the water if you can.

Extreme flooding and debris from it will create hazardous conditions in these rivers’ coastal waters. If you’re planning a coastal passage past areas where there have been recent storms or flooding, be aware of this risk and consider delaying or rescheduling the trip.

Monitor your marine radio. A SECURITE message may be broadcast to advise vessels of any hazards to navigation in that area, including flood debris.

Storms and flooding raise water levels in enclosed waters, even in tidal waterways. Storm surges and flooding also reduce clearance under structures and power lines, increasing your risk of damaging your vessel or injury to yourself and your crew.

Visit abcboating.net.au and bia.org.au

Glenn Sullivan, Monaro Region Zone Duty Operations Manager with Marine Rescue NSW.

Although flood waters are primarily thought of in the enclosed waters environment, heeding the following advice when travelling in any waters inshore and off, is vitally important.

Have all onboard keep a proper lookout and maintain a safe speed. Large objects ranging from logs to shipping containers and everything in between can be washed through the river systems and out into open waters.

If anything is seen, please report it to the local volunteer marine rescue (VMR) so that a safety message can be broadcast so as other water users do not collide with these objects.

If an object is struck, assess everyone’s welfare and any damage caused to the vessel.

If the vessel including hull or propulsion equipment is damaged, do not hesitate to call the local VMR via your Marine Band radio, call Triple Zero (000) by phone or even use your EPIRB and flares as required.

In worst-case scenarios, attempt to stem the flow of water ingress and make sure everyone is wearing their lifejackets, prepare to deploy your life raft and brief your crew on the exact situation and the actions needed to prepare. Take action early to increase your chances of a successful outcome.

After a flood, a lot of pollution including chemicals, sewage and deceased animals can be found on shore and offshore. So, remember if fishing, be prepared to travel to locations that have not been affected and re-evaluate if you are going to eat your catch.

Having larger deceased animals washing through our systems and offshore, attracts larger marine life such as sharks, so again reassess if you are thinking about entering the water.

Visit marinerescuensw.com.au

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