Water Safety For Dark Shooters

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29783, 28 March 1962, Page 7

Water Safety For Dark Shooters

Every buyer of a game licence in the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society's district will receive a pamphlet on water safety. The pamphlet has been prepared by the National Water Safety Committee of the Internal Affairs Department "Drowning ranks next to accidents with shotguns a« a cause of deaths among duck shooters," says the pamphlet. “Water safety is important to duck shooters. If you are cautious, handle your boat carefully, avoid dangerous practices such as shooting or retrieving from boats, and do not wade blindly into unknown waters, you will enjoy your sport and run no great risk.

“Here are a few do’s and don’ts for duck shooters: “Your boat should be wide, have high sides, and be strongly built to withstand frequent groundings.

“If a boat has not been used for some time, leave it in the water for half a day at the beginning of the season Any leaks persisting after that time should be located and fixed.. “Do not overload. Make sure more of the boat is above the water line than below it; allow at least 18 inches of free seating for each occupant; make sure everyone sits down. “A boat should have two oars and rowlocks, or paddles; a baler: and two bungs attached to the bottom of the boat, for each bunghole. “Be careful when travelling before dawn or after dark along rivers or through swamps. They may be obstructed, overgrown, or flooded, and be difficult and dangerous for small craft. “It is safer to shoot from a prepared stand than from a camouflaged boat because sportsmen may become excited and fall overboard. “Using a dog for retrieving from a boat is risky because it is easy to fall out or capsize while getting a dog on board. "Wading can be dangerous

if you do not know what you are walking Mo. It it easy to step into deep water —a hidden hole or flooded drain—but it is not easy to get out, especially if you are wearing heavy clothing and

thigh boots. ‘•Everyone should know the expired-alr method of resuscitation. It is aimpie, effective, and suitable for use in a miamia or boat.-