Hi my name is Cathy married to Anthony blessed with 3 beautiful daughters Cara 28, Shalee 20 & Courtney Mae 16 and 2 grandchildren Adiyn she is 3 & Kiade he is 2
On the 11th June 2011 8.15pm I had a phone call that changed our family for ever
Courtney left Friday lunch time all her gear packed to go camping to their favourite island for the weekend, her boyfriends mother picked Courtney up, Courtney gave me a big hug and said I'l see you Sunday, turned to walk away and walked back to me and gave me another huge hug love ya mum, I said love you to baby. Little did i know that would be the last time our family would see Courtney.Our family thought they were already on the island, but they had changed their mind and left Saturday. you can Google Courtney's story (Courtney Simon)
To cut a long story short :In June 2011 my beautiful loving daughter Courtney Mae aged 14 2 mths of 15 was tragically taken when the boat she was in capsized in Lake Macquarie, when the weather became wild Courtney was missing for 10 days until found
As Courtney’s mother I am struggling to comprehend why my daughter died when life jackets were available to them & why the other two boys survived.
The boat was found to be over loaded, motor was to big, no bung in the boat a rag was tapped down in the hole. The boat was unregistered and the driver unlicensed no chargers were laid We were unaware of the boats condition and we were told the the driver was licensed
Unfortunately the corners inquest was of great disappointment for our family, Courtney & the community, the coroner stating that life jacket rules & regulations did not need tightening, OK why are people still drowning???
Accidents are called this for a reason they are unpredictable
I have a strong belief that life jackets need to be compulsory & worn when in small boating vessels no matter YOUR age or conditions of the weather, as these vessels capsize easily & unexpectantly People on board these SMALL boats are more likely to get into trouble
My aim is to be Courtney's voice to educate & promote the importance to the general community regarding their personal safety in boating & the importance of ALWAYS wearing your life jacket, and carry all safety equipment required by Law. Currently in NSW life jackets are only compulsory to children under 12 or crossing a bar, or boating alone, others wise its up to the skippers discretion
you can help be Courtney's voice by following me on facebook
www.facebook.com/CourtneysRuleWearit or on twitter @lifejacketcourt