A guide to aquatic survival this summer

While most Australians (65%) are planning aquatic adventures this summer, from recreational boating to snorkelling or diving, less than a third (32%) are confident they could rescue themselves in an aquatic emergency. That’s according to new research commissioned by radio comms manufacturer GME in conjunction with Pureprofile.

The research further finds that only one-fifth (20%) of the nation is confident in reading tides, swells and weather conditions, and nearly half (48%) would rely on their mobile phone to call for help on the water. This is a particularly risky move given that offshore coverage can be patchy at best.

“Many people rely on smartphones to call for help,” noted survival expert and adventurist Michael Atkinson (aka Outback Mike). “Whilst many smartphones these days are satellite-capable, they don’t emit a continuous signal that rescue authorities can home in on. So if you’re adrift in a life jacket you’re unlikely to be found, particularly at night.”

Outback Mike knows better than most that a few gear choices can make all the difference for a safe trip on the water, and has now partnered with GME to create a survival preparation guide featuring five key steps to safe aquatic-related adventures. From boating to diving, these essentials could make all the difference if something goes wrong.

1. Pack the right gear and keep it protected

Every trip on the water should start with preparation, and the gear you pack can be the difference between a close call and tragedy. Phones and satellite messengers aren’t built for aquatic rescues — they can’t transmit the kind of continuous distress signal that rescue services can home in on. That’s why it’s essential to carry specialist emergency equipment, keep it in working order, and know where it is at all times:

• Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are the gold standard of emergency signalling for offshore boating and a legal requirement in most states when operating more than 2 nautical miles offshore in open water.
• Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are lightweight and compact — ideal for kayaking, paddle sports or coastal boating. These should be attached to your life jacket in case you fall overboard. Note that a PLB won’t satisfy mandatory carriage requirements in most states of Australia (some states allow a PLB in lieu of an EPIRB for jet ski riders).
• Check expiry dates (and set an expiry date reminder in your mobile phone), test strobe lights (essential at night), protect from corrosion and store in an easy-to-reach spot.
• Life jackets, flares, radios and first-aid kits all need regular checks — salt water is unforgiving, so your gear can deteriorate fast.
• Dress for the conditions. In cooler climates, thermal layers or spray jackets can delay the onset of hypothermia if you end up in the water. In warmer environments, lightweight but protective clothing can reduce sunburn and heat exhaustion. Ideally, every inch of skin should be shielded from the sun.
• Carry an emergency supply of fresh water and high-energy snacks. Dehydration and fatigue can set in quickly at sea, especially under the sun.

2. Know the water and the weather

Even the most expensive equipment won’t help if you don’t respect the conditions you’re heading into. Before each trip, take the time to understand the environment you’ll be navigating.

Check the forecast in detail, including wind, swell and storm warnings, and keep monitoring throughout your trip. Remember that conditions on the water can shift far more quickly than they do on land.

For divers, carrying a PLB in a waterproof case is increasingly common. It’s a precaution that could be life-saving if you surface far from your boat.

3. Communication is key

Always log your journey, either by registering with local marine rescue services (many of which have apps) or by telling a trusted contact your departure point, intended route and expected return time. Make sure your contact knows exactly what to do if you don’t check in when expected: call 000.

On the water, mobile coverage is often patchy, which makes VHF marine radios a far more reliable tool for staying in touch with nearby rescue crews and vessels. Keep yours dry in a clear, waterproof soft case that allows voice communication. If you’re venturing further offshore, an EPIRB is a worthy addition (and usually a legal requirement) alongside your radio. Mobile phones should never be your only connection — even satellite-capable phones and smartwatches can struggle to connect when wet and don’t emit a continuous signal that rescue authorities can home in on.

4. Practise before your departure

Confidence in an emergency doesn’t just come from having the right gear — it comes from knowing how to use it.

Before you set out, practise deploying your equipment in safe conditions. For instance, try rehearsing with your PLB in a swimming pool (without activating it) while wearing your life jacket. Make sure it stays attached by a lanyard, that you can easily deploy the antenna, and that it’s mounted securely in a way that allows the antenna to remain upright.

Run a quick safety briefing with your passengers, walking them through where the safety gear is stored and how to use it. Just two minutes of explanation could save precious time in a crisis.

Think beyond technology, too. Carry visual signalling aids like sea dye, reflective strips or mirrors — and practise using them. These can dramatically cut down rescue times by making you easier to spot from the air or sea.

5. Keep calm in an emergency

If something goes wrong, your state of mind will be just as important as the equipment you carry. Panic burns energy, clouds judgement and reduces your chances of survival.

Instead, focus on conserving energy: stay afloat, keep warm and signal for help. Make yourself as visible as possible with strobes, reflective gear, and flares or dye markers, ready to use the moment you see or hear rescuers nearby.

“Being on the water is one of the most vulnerable places for a human,” Outback Mike said. “When conditions deteriorate or things go wrong, having the right gear and knowing how to use it is often the difference between life and death. Surviving depends on prior preparation and good decisions made in the moment.

“Rescue starts before you hit the water, with the right mindset, knowledge and gear.”

Equipment checklist

• An EPIRB (for offshore boating) and/or PLB (for in-shore/individual use)
• Life jackets for all passengers (check condition and fit)
• Waterproof case for PLB if diving
• Flares, strobes or sea dye for visibility
• VHF marine radio or satellite communicator for backup communication
• First-aid kit
• Adequate water supply (minimum 4 L per person per day)
• Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS device)
• Weather-appropriate clothing and thermal protection where needed
• Light sources for night-time signalling (such as flares or flashlights)
• Food supplies and emergency rations (if relevant to the journey)
   

Images courtesy GME.