Safety
Safety afloat

Much of the KWCA shooting is accessible by boat and that brings a new code of practice which must be learnt. Unsuitable, over-loaded boats and incompetent seamanship are the ‘fowlers worst enemy. Choose a stable, buoyant, seaworthy craft. Decked punts and sneak boats are the order of the day amongst the relatively sheltered waters of the salting.

Stout oars, a good anchor, fluid filled compass, bright torch, distress flares, mobile phone and a life jacket are essential safety equipment. Always wear your life jacket in a small boat, automatically inflatable types are favourite. Learn about the tides, the currents, the mud banks, and the stakes and rocks that can tear the bottom of your tiny craft.

Learn too the fundamentals of navigation and rights of way. Keep a very close eye on the weather and before you go, look at, listen to, read and phone up every weather forecast you can.
Always tell a responsible person where you are going and what time you are going to be back. Tell them that if you are not back by that time they are to phone the coastguard. (Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard)

Wildfowling from a boat in the Medway and Swale can, at times, be very hazardous.
Please treat those waters with the utmost respect.

Anyone using a boat on the River Medway and in the Swale should acquaint themselves with the Notices to Mariners issued by Medway Ports.