Staying Safe on the Water this NYE
Australia is famous all around the world for its beautiful coastlines, rich marine life and soft white sand. Thousands of locals and tourists enjoy these natural gems every day, whether they’re swimming, surfing, fishing, sailing or jet-skiing. Unfortunately, staying safe in and on the water is not always easy or taken seriously, and over the last couple of years there has been a concerning increase in boating-related drownings. In fact, for the first time, boating accidents have overtaken swimming as the water activity leading to the most deaths.
How to stay safe on the water
With the weather starting to warm up all around Australia and New Year’s Eve around the corner, now is a great time to brush up on water safety before hitting the beach and the water. Here are our top 4 water safety tips over the festive period.
Tip #1 — Wear a lifejacket
Regardless of whether you’re a strong swimmer or not, one of the most simple ways to stay safe on NYE is to wear a lifejacket. Also known as a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or buoyancy vest, lifejackets help keep you afloat in the water. If you’re planning on taking part in open water activities such as fishing, boating, sailing, jet-skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding or you are going to be in the open water for a prolonged period of time, wear a properly fitted and maintained lifejacket.
Tip #2 — Avoid alcohol and drugs
At least 15% of adults who drown when boating and doing other watercraft activities are found to be intoxicated. Alcohol and drugs not only impair our ability to swim well, but they can also affect our judgement, balance and coordination, which increases the chances of getting hurt. Not drinking or consuming drugs on New Year’s Eve is particularly important if you’re driving a boat or supervising children.
Tip #3 — Learn the rules for boating in your region
Just like cars on the road and aeroplanes in the air, there are rules for driving boats on the water. It’s very important to learn the rules to ensure your safety, the safety of those on the boat with you and other people in the water. Boating rules and regulations are different from state to state and from vessel to vessel. Be sure to read up on your local legislation before going out on the water on New Year’s Eve. 
Tip #4 — Check the weather and water conditions
This tip may seem obvious to you but one of the biggest reasons people end up not staying safe on the water is due to changing or unpredicted weather conditions. These are the 5 things to take into account before boating:
- Warnings — Weather and wind warnings should be at the top of your list when it comes to water safety.
- Weather — Check the coastal forecasts to avoid dangerous conditions like fog, heavy rain, lightning and thunderstorms.
- Wind — Forecasts that show wind speed and direction shifts over the day are signs you need to be more cautious on the water.
- Waves — Wave conditions might not affect your boating experience as much if you’re in a large or long boat, but it’s important to check for sharp and powerful waves.
- Tide conditions — Take note of when high and low tide will occur. The changes in tidal flow and tide can also affect waves and make navigation more difficult.
General tips for staying safe at NYE parties
Tip #1 — Plan ahead
Whether you’re hosting a party, going for a low-key dinner with family or attending a public gathering, planning is key. New Year’s Eve can be a busy night, which is why having a plan and a backup plan can ensure you and your group remain safe. Communicate your plan and plan B with your friends and family before your activities and do regular check-ins during the evening when you can. 
Tip #2 — Hydrate
No matter what you have in store for New Year’s Eve, drinking water and staying hydrated is always important for general health and safety — particularly for those drinking alcohol or wanting to stay safe on the water. Regardless of whether you’re in the sun on a New Year’s Eve boat party or inside an air-conditioned restaurant, hydration is key on long, busy days. 
Tip #3 — Avoid driving, if you can
On big days (and nights) like New Year’s Eve, cities tend to experience a lot more traffic than usual. This can be dangerous for drivers and passengers alike. If possible, plan to take public transport and, particularly if you’re going to be drinking alcohol, put measures in place to ensure you don’t have to drive home that night — book a hotel room nearby or spend the night at a friend’s.
Enjoying a safe and happy New Year in the Sydney Harbour
Why not combine all of these tips for one of the most memorable nights with friends or family? Watching the NYE fireworks from the Sydney Harbour is arguably one of the most iconic ways to welcome the new year. Not only does spending New Year’s Eve on the water keep you off the busy roads, but a private New Year’s Eve rental boat or New Year’s Eve Sydney cruise party organised by Any Boat will ensure you remain safe on the water. Whether you decide to host a private boat party on one of our boats or buy tickets to a public boat party, you can rest assured you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience on a vessel that complies with all the local safety laws and regulations. Browse our New Year’s Eve boat options online today to secure your plans before our boats are all booked out.
