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PLAN YOUR ROUTE WHEN SAILING In recent years there have been a number of incidents where yachts and sailing boats have come into contact with the overhead lines – the results have been devastating. We would urge all sailors to plan their route around any inland waterway carefully and always be on the look out for overhead lines in the vicinity of the waterways. Overhead lines across waterways will have warning signs located on poles or on stand-alone signs. Many sailboats have masts of 9m (30ft) or more, and most of these masts are made of aluminium, which is an excellent conductor of electricity. When aluminium masts or rigging come into contact with electric power lines, a lethal hazard is created.
BEFORE YOU SAIL – Plan your route carefully when transporting your yacht or sailing boat to the harbour, make sure you have adequate clearance under overhead lines. When you are stepping your mast -- be sure to do so in an area totally clear of power lines. Be absolutely certain that the path you take to the launching ramp will not allow your mast to come into contact with overhead lines. Power lines maintain a certain clearance over water or posted launching areas suitable for sailboats. This doesn't guarantee that your mast will not come into contact with the lines. Take the responsibility yourself to see that your mast and rigging stay at least five metres away from all power lines. WHILE YOU SAIL - once out in the water, you should still look for overhead lines because power lines do cross over waterways. You will need to make sure that your boat has proper clearance from any overhead lines; your mast must never make contact with power lines. Don't anchor boats over submerged cables. AFTER YOU SAIL - when you are removing your boat from the water - be sure to inspect the area for possible power lines which may come into contact with the mast as you step it and store it for travel.
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You can take some simple precautions to stay safe.
