South Australia Police Water Operations Unit would like to remind the public to regularly monitor the weather conditions when heading out and while on the water following two separate rescues earlier this morning, according to SA Police.
Around 7.30am today Sunday 4 December the Water Operations Unit (WOU) were requested to assist the coast guard after a boat became stuck on the rocks at Outer Harbor. The boat with three people on board was safely towed back to shore.
Whilst the first boat was being towed, another call for help was received when a boat near the North Haven Marina got into trouble after the weather conditions changed.
Police had to transfer a police officer onto this boat in very dangerous conditions in order to gain control of it before being able to tow it safely back to shore. The police officer received minor injuries as a result.
The two occupants, a 36-year-old man and a 10-year-old boy were safely rescued and were not injured in the incident.
Following these rescues, members of the Volunteer Marine Coast Guard, local patrols and PolAir assisted the WOU with coastal searches to ensure that there were no other boats in distress.
Police would like to remind members of the public who go out to sea in any recreational situation that these incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of the ocean. Weather conditions can dramatically change without warning, and all communication and safety equipment should be up to date, accessible and in good working order before going to sea. Weather forecasts should be checked prior to departure, and if conditions appear to be changing then they should seek shelter or return to shore for their own safety.
The Bureau of Meteorology has a great Marine Safety Video which we recommend you check out first. As well as checking the forecast, take a few minutes to make these 'Five Vital Checks': http://www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/vital-checks.shtml
