Boat injury survivor, Boonie part of MAST safety campaign

Sarah Sargent was lucky to survive a boating injury five years ago. Now she’s using her story to help promote the importance of water safety this festive season. GRAPHIC CONTENT >>

FOR Hobart sailor Sarah Sargent, it began as a day on the River Derwent like any other.

But after an incident five years ago which left her with horrific injuries, the 20-year-old is using her experience to warn others of the importance of boat safety.

Rushed to hospital after her elbow was sliced apart by a propeller after she fell off when the driver was going to fast, Ms Sargent is telling her story to ensure water lovers take measures to stay safe over the festive period.

She features as part of four advertisements for Marine and Safety Tasmania’s (MAST) Summer Safety Campaign to run on TV and social media channels beginning Friday night,

The first ad features Tassie cricket legend David Boon and yachting enthusiast Lloyd Clark, with MAST ambassador Andrew Hart, Sargent and former International Cadets world champion Hugo Allison also involved.

“I was coaching a holiday sailing program. Unfortunately the boat was being driven too fast and that resulted in the propeller striking my elbow,” she said.

“I remember the second I got into the Royal (Hobart Hospital), I was right below the list of someone who had had a heart attack.

Sarah Sargent, who was involved in a serious boating accident, features in MAST’s campaign warning of the dangers in boating peak season. Picture: Linda Higginson

“That’s when it first clicked it was really serious.

“I broke, fractured and dislocated all the bones and joints surrounding it (elbow), and I suffered quite a lot of blood loss.

“It only takes one thing to go wrong and a lot of events can occur from that and it’s important to follow everything in those MAST videos.

“My main message is definitely speak up (if safety isn’t being ahdered to). My 15-year-old self forgot that, and if I could go back in time I’d say something.”

MAST recreational boating manager Peter Hopkins said fatalities in older age groups had increased in recent years.

“We’re hoping for a fatality-free summer. Over the Christmas-New Year period in the past, we have seen a number of incidents which result in fatalities,” Mr Cosgrove said.

Local sailor Sarah Sargent suffered serious elbow injuries in a boating accident in 2017. Picture: Supplied

“We’re asking everyone to make the right decisions, go boating with a mate, make sure you check the weather and wear a life jacket.

“More importantly, enjoy yourself, do it safely and come home to your loved ones.

“We are seeing an increasing number of fatalities in ages 49 and above, it’s important that age group adhere to the regulations.

“It’s all very nice to make sure you’ve got all the gear so when the marine police check you’ve got it, but it’s no use if it doesn’t work.”