Safety at Sea

The Diary is thrilled to add a young, local cartoonist to its contributors. Seonaid Canning is a wonderful example of someone who, having been born and bred on West Ardnamurchan and tasted life in the 'big city', has returned to settle as a crofter in Sanna. Currently she is also studying for a degree at the University of Kilchoan, that superb HE institution run by Pat Glenday on the campus beside the Community Centre.

Seonaid's theme is Safety at Sea. For Kilchoan Coastguard, last year was a grim year for call-outs, one it would never wish to repeat, and the team would urge all those who set out on the water to follow simple safety precautions.

Wear an appropriate lifejacket. Check weather, current and tide predictions - for example, don't go out in a light, rowed inflatable with an off-shore wind - and remember that change happens quickly in the waters around Ardnamurchan. If you're going any distance, tell someone where you are going, give them an estimated time of return, and take some form of reliable communication - VHF or mobile phone. Give due consideration to others at sea - like, don't take a speeding motorboat too close to kayakers - and pay particular attention to what children are doing (see HM Coastguard's SeaSmart scheme here). Make sure that what you plan is within your competence and the capabilities of your vessel. And thoroughly check all equipment before setting out.

Kilchoan Coastguard would remind you that, if an accident happens at sea, please use VHF Channel 16 or dial 999 and ask for Coastguard - only HM Coastguard can task a rescue helicopter or RNLI lifeboat to a scene.

Finally - Ardnamurchan is a wonderful place for sea-based activities. Please enjoy this beautiful area safely.