STREET SMART
FERRY SAFETY Catching a ferry is a great way to add fun and excitement to family outings – which makes it tempting to play on wharves and on board. Running around can be dangerous. With so much water around, it’s important to be careful. Be at the wharf at least five minutes before your ferry is due to leave so you have time to board safely, and remember that ferries are not playgrounds. BOARDING AND TRAVELLING ON FERRIES • Allow all passengers to get off the ferry before you get on. The crew holding the gangway will let you know when it is safe to board. • When on board, take a seat if one is available or hold onto a handrail. • Do not sit on the bow or side of the vessel. • Do not lean out the windows or stand on the seats. • Ensure luggage, bags and personal items are stowed correctly and are not blocking the aisle. • Watch your step when using the stairs and hold onto the handrails as the ferry can move suddenly. • When waiting to disembark, stand behind the yellow area on the vessels and follow instructions from the ferry crew. • Speak with the crew if travelling with a bike or surfboard. They will advise if you can bring it onto the ferry and where to stow it. • All ferries have life jackets. Please use as directed by staff. SAFETY HINTS • Don’t run around on the wharf, and don’t go near the edge. Hold an adult’s hand when you get on and off. • Yellow and black stripes on wharves mean danger. Stay away from them – they are a no-go zone.
• Don’t run around on board, and never climb on or over railings. It is easy to fall over, and you could even fall into the water. • Look for the big orange Emergency Help Point on wharves. In an emergency (like someone falling into the water) press the button and talk into it like a phone. Staff can see you and talk to you, and will send someone straight away. • Tell the ferry crew if you feel like you are in trouble or need help. They are there to keep you safe.
Learn more about Ferry Safety
PRAMS AND STROLLERS • Small children need a helping hand to get through ticket gates. When you travel as a family, or with a pram or stroller, use the wide gates. • Keep a firm hold while you are on the wharf, and use the brakes. • Larger prams and strollers may not fit on gangways and will need to be collapsed before boarding. • If possible on board, collapse and store strollers and prams, and sit your child on your lap or on the seat next to you. • If you prefer to keep your child in the pram or stroller, put the brakes on and hold it firmly at all times. Ferries are just one type of public transport in NSW you and your family can use. You can also travel on trains, buses and light rail. What they all have in common is how much they care about the safety of you and your family. Please follow any special rules they have to keep you safe. For more information, visit transportnsw.info/ travel-info/safety-security/safety-when-travellingby-ferry
www.childsafetyhub.com.au
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