The sheer thrill of taking to the open waterways of Lough Erne in a power boat has become a reality for many people over the last few years, and with boat ownership and usage rising, now more than ever, there is a need to get to grips with safety, while having fun.
With such adrenalin packed power comes great responsibility, to family and friend, yourself, and esp
ecially to other waterway users. And nowhere is that more apparent than at the Share Centre holiday village at Lisnaskea, where water based activities offered to children and young people of all abilities, include, canoeing, windsurfing, kayaking, dinghy sailing and even banana boat rides, and team building exercises. Now instructors at Share Centre are offering a level two Royal Yachting Association course in power boating.
I spent some time out on the water in December, with instructor Rory Martin who explained, more individuals and organisations are taking the course, as they use boats for their work, including the RSPB; Waterways Ireland and National Trust.
Out on the RIB, (Rigid Inflatable Boat) a boat with a powerful 80hp outboard engine, I had an opportunity to take the helm and drive the boat full throttle, where speeds can get up to 35knots, around 40mph. But before I got to experience the exhilaration, we talked about conditions, suitable clothing, personal buoyancy all aspects of the boat, safety, equipment, holding on to two grab handles, controls, and learned how to attach the engine's kill cord around a leg. This is a vitally important safety device, which switches off the engine, should you move away from the helm or fall over board. I managed to pick up a dummy man-over-board successfully and learned boat handling skills and manoeuvres, steering and even a three point turn on the water, and how to come alongside the marina jetty safely.
Rory explained:" This course is really aimed at anybody who wants to do a safety or skills based course. It is safe and enjoyable and there is a huge fun aspect to it
"It means that people can do the manoeuvres and enjoy it because they are being coached through it. It is not like a driving test where you may fail with only one manoeuvre, in this, you can have as many goes as you need, and come back again," he said.
He said the course, which will undoubtedly appeal to thrill seekers and new and existing boat owners, is designed to equip participants with all basic skills and background knowledge to become a competent powerboat driver.
"You will have a qualification, which brings down insurance costs. I would say it is only a matter of time before inland waterways have some sort of regulation in place, with regard to licences for the inland waters. I believe that is a good thing," he said.
"I've had people from as far away as Newry or Carlingford Lough, coming to do the course, and we have some of the most highly qualified coaches and assessors in the Province," he said.
"We have Coastguard backing as well, they give a lot of insight," he said.
"There are a lot of aspects of boat-use that people don't take into consideration when using the waterways, for example how to pick up people out of the water; place a may-day call; how to tell the Coastguard where to find you, if you are out on the water," he said.
Participants will learn all about, the 'rules of the road' on water and how to pass other users safely.
"We would prefer any waterway users on upper Lough Erne to be qualified in safe boating. There are a lot of children in the water and we want them to use it safely, "he said.
A range of courses are offered, at Share Centre which can be tailored to needs, even one for jet skiers, on personal safety, he said.
This course costs £175 and could be just that alternative gift, you were searching for.
Contact Rory Martin, Share Holiday Village; Smiths Strand; Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh BT920EQ (T) 02867722122 (E) rory@sharevillage.org (W) www.sharevillage.org
(December 4 2008)
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