A family's harrowing experience highlights the importance of beach safety and the potential risks associated with hiring inflatable watercraft. When the Appelbee family's kayak and paddleboards were swept out to sea, it sparked an investigation by WorkSafe WA, who are making 'initial enquiries' into the hotel that rented the equipment. The incident occurred when strong winds pushed the vessels offshore from Geographe Bay, prompting Joanne Appelbee to make the difficult decision to send her son to swim four hours to raise the alarm. This story serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of the ocean, even in calm conditions, and the importance of understanding the risks before entering the water. Prof Rob Brander, from the UNSW beach safety research group, emphasizes that people often assume it's safe to go into the ocean when it's calm, but this can be a problematic assumption. He explains that strong offshore winds can create a surface drift that can take you a long way offshore. Surf Life Saving (SLS) WA general manager Chris Peck agrees, stating that 'you don't need waves, swell and rips for it to be a hazardous situation'. This incident also raises questions about the responsibility of rental companies and the importance of conducting a safety review to minimize the risk of similar incidents in the future. The controversy surrounding this incident lies in the assumption that the ocean is always safe, and the responsibility of rental companies to ensure the safety of their equipment. It's crucial to consider the potential risks and take necessary precautions before entering the water, such as finding out where your nearest patrolled beach is and staying between the red and yellow flags. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone can enjoy the beach safely and responsibly.
