********************************************************
The number of fatal water sport accidents fell significantly to three cases in 2011, which showed the Safety Afloat Campaign started in 2007 had achieved its desired effect and enhanced the safety awareness of the public, the Director of Marine, Mr Francis Liu, said today (May 9).
Speaking at the 2012 Safety Afloat Educational Seminar, Mr Liu said that the drowning of a swimmer during a launch picnic in Nam Fung Wan, Sai Kung, late last month was the first fatal water sport accident recorded this year. Investigations into the water sport accidents revealed that most of them could have been avoided. Most of the fatalities and injuries were attributable to a lack of safety awareness when participating in water sport activities.
He further elaborated that inadequate preparation on the part of those who engaged in marine leisure activities was another cause of the accidents, including failure to take heed of weather conditions or warnings, the lack of adequate planning for voyages, insufficient consideration of whether the areas concerned were suitable for the structures of the boats to be used or the nature of the relevant activities, and not having enough experienced crews on board to provide guidance or ensure that safe practices were followed by passengers when taking part in water sport activities.
Swimmers should first undergo training and gain proficiency; realise their own abilities; refrain from swimming shortly after consumption of food, alcohol or drugs; supervise children properly; and avoid swimming alone or away from companions, Mr Liu added.
He reminded coxswains and boat operators to have adequate professional knowledge. Coxswains and boat operators should familiarise themselves with all the safety precautions and contingency measures that should be in place on board, so as to avoid being at a loss in emergencies; check the structures and condition of vessels before setting sail; and properly maintain the batteries to lower the risk of fire hazards caused by short circuits and flash fires.
The seventh Safety Afloat Educational Seminar jointly organised by the Marine Department, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department was held to enhance the safety awareness of the public and allow boating enthusiasts to express their views on ways to ensure marine recreational safety as water sport activities are getting more popular today.
A new Announcement in the Public Interest on water sport safety was specially produced this year by the Marine Department and the Hong Kong Police Force, and will be broadcast via TV and radio to disseminate water sport safety messages to the general public starting from this evening, with an aim of achieving the goal of zero accidents in water sport activities.
On the front line, officers of the Marine Police and the Marine Department will continue to step up their patrol activities in speed restricted zones, the water areas in the vicinity of popular beaches and water sports sites, and will take action against any illegal or reckless boating activities. The lifeguards of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will also keep an eye out for boating activities at beaches and the adjacent water areas. They will alert officers of the Marine Department and the Marine Police to take law enforcement action against offenders when necessary.
Mr Liu said he was confident that with these measures, together with the full co-operation and support of the industry and the general public, we would be able to fully enjoy the pleasure of marine leisure activities in this summer season and the years to come.
Apart from the Marine Department, staff from the Marine Police, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Hong Kong Observatory, and industry stakeholders, also joined the discussions.
Ends/Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:16
NNNN
