A simple solution

This column has repeatedly called for the countrywide implementation of lifejacket regulations for the leisure boating industry. The authorities have also repeatedly vowed to implement such a measure. Despite such assurances, yet another boat tragedy on the high seas claimed the lives of five people, all banking professionals.

The simple reason for their deaths was that they were not wearing lifejackets. That simple apparatus would have saved them all.

It was reported in this newspaper last week that the Disaster Management Ministry (DMM) had repeatedly warned boat operators countrywide to provide passengers with life saving jackets in the event of emergency situations in the seas and rivers.

The DMM made this warning again following last week’s boat tragedy at Beruwala. There were 11 persons in the boat at the time of the accident and none of them had worn lifejackets. (Statistics show that around 1,000 people die each year in Sri Lanka as a result of drowning).

This incident again brings into focus the need for more stringent water transport safety regulations in this country. The stark reality is that lifejackets must be made compulsory by law and the non-provision of lifejackets to passengers by boat crew should be a punishable offence. The jackets should ideally be equipped with a light (for night rescue) and a whistle (to attract attention). Boats must also have other flotation/rescue devices such as inflated dinghies, tyres and rescue ropes.

Passengers

Regardless of whether a given boat operates on the sea, a river or in an inland reservoir, lifejackets must be provided for all passengers. Boat crew must also refrain from loading excess passengers even if jackets are provided to them. Instability is one of the prime causes for boat accidents. One may consider overloading a malady that is also common to land transport – three-wheelers and private buses are ideal examples.

But overloading takes another far more dangerous dimension in the water, because there is usually no way out.

There is no reason why this law cannot be implemented successfully because many other transport laws in this country have turned out to be resoundingly successful. The helmet and seatbelt laws are observed by all – and not only out of the fear of getting booked by police. Many riders and motorists have realised that these devices save lives. It is as simple as that. That same realisation should dawn on boat operators.

One may argue that it will be difficult to implement the lifejacket law because there is no police presence on our waters. As an initial measure, the police or DMM officials must be present at starting points of leisure boating trips to ensure that lifejackets are properly given to and worn by all passengers and crew, however experienced they may be.

We do not know whether the Navy and/or the Coast Guard could be involved in this exercise given their heavy workload, but it would be a great help. Give it a couple of years, and the ‘lifejacket habit’ will be ingrained.

The leisure boating industry has to be properly licensed and regulated. All boat owners and operators should adhere to safety regulations stipulated by the authorities. In the first instance, the boats should be in a sound mechanical condition. Second, they should not be overloaded. Third, there should be lifejackets for the passengers and crew. Children should be provided with child-size jackets. Boats that do not pass these tests should not be allowed in the water.

A two-way radio system is also ideal. Boat operators should also have a homing beacon as well as a visual device, such as flares to attract attention in an emergency. Indeed, it is not only leisure boats that need these safety measures, but also fishing vessels.

In bigger passenger boats and cruise liners where it would be impractical to always wear a lifejacket, a lifejacket drill must be conducted before sailing and quick access to lifejackets (and lifeboats) must be provided in an emergency.

Lifeguardsz

The authorities will have to consider the financial implications of such measures. The Government could perhaps subsidise the purchase of lifejackets by boat operators and local companies could be given a contract to manufacture high quality lifejackets, thus saving foreign exchange.

The concept of lifeguards has also not caught on here except at swimming pools of star class hotels. In many countries, beaches and shallow sea waters are regularly patrolled by trained lifeguards who risk their lives every day to save those of others.

Moreover, ‘dangerous’ beaches or seas (sharks, jellyfish, rough weather, deep waters etc) are clearly marked and bathers and boaters are instructed to keep away. There is no such system here, although bathing is periodically prohibited in many inland reservoirs. It is time that lifeguards are gradually introduced to our beaches and reservoirs. There are many steps that can and should be taken to ensure safety at sea and any water body.

The primary responsibility still lies with those who risk these journeys, sometimes knowing all the risks involved. It is prudent to question the wisdom of a boat owner who tries to overload a rickety boat – after all, lives are at stake.

It does not hurt to ask whether he has lifejackets and other safety devices on board. If he does not, you are under no obligation to board his boat. As the saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Schoolchildren must be educated on the perils of undertaking sea or river journeys without wearing lifejackets. They will then take the message home to their elders. The electronic and print media should also play a major role, educating the public on the significance of wearing lifejackets on a boat journey. A wider awareness on this subject is quite necessary.

These are simple steps that can save lives. Death by drowning during leisure and fishing trips will be a thing of the past if lifejackets are universally worn. The next step is making such steps mandatory by law and there will be widespread support for such a move.

We have lost enough lives on the high seas and rivers and now is the time to act firmly.