The Malta Maritime Authority has designated 25 swimming zones in Malta, Gozo and Comino, one more than last year, Malta Maritime Authority chairman Marc Bonello said yesterday.
Speaking at the launch of the 11th Safety at Sea Campaign, Dr Bonello said that the authority was also teaming up with Sedqa to address the organisation’s message of “Don’t Drink and Drive” to be passed on to all owners of pleasure boats at sea.
Dr Bonello said that the Safety at Sea Campaign has experienced constant growth and success among its target audiences, namely the swimmers and the boat owners alike.
Communications and Competitiveness Minister Censu Galea said that there were over 4,900 licensed persons who were authorised to drive a boat of up to 100 horse power.
Among the important points of the Safety at Sea Campaign are the following:
Boat owners should always make use of adequate VHF radio when out at sea.
Mobile phones are not to replace VHF radios, as the latter are essential for sending out messages of distress if and when necessary.
Before going out at sea, one must always inform relatives of whereabouts so that in case of an accident, rescue operations will have a clue where to start their operation from.
No speedboat or any other mechanically propelled sea craft will be allowed to proceed at a speed exceeding 10 knots inside any harbour, in any place within 300 metres of the foreshore of any sandy beach and in any place within 200 metres of any part of the foreshore.
Every boat should be equipped with the necessary safety and life saving equipment.
Abusive or dangerous activity should be reported to the Administrative Law Enforcement Unit on emergency number 112 while the telephone number of the Armed Forces maritime rescue is 21809279.
The Swimmers Zones are as follows:
Malta:
St George’s Bay, Sliema under the Independence Garden, St Julian’s Spinola Bay, Golden sands, Ghajn Tuffieha, Mellieha Bay, Paradise Bay, St Paul’s Bay, Imgiebah Bay, Birzebbugia and Marsascala
Gozo:
Ramla l-Hamra, Xlendi Bay, Marsalforn, Qbajjar, Hondoq ir-Rummien, San Blas and Mgarr ix-Xini
Comino:
Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay.