Boat safety reminder heading into Easter long weekend

Tuesday, 4 April 2023

Marine Safety Officers will have an increased presence on the River Murray, metro coastal waters and Yorke Peninsula waters this Easter long weekend, as holidaymakers are urged to take care on the water.

An expected surge in visitors to these popular holiday spots, and the forecasted windy weather, has prompted warnings to all boaties to ensure they are equipped with the most appropriate safety tools.

Though the River Murray is returning to regular levels, boaties are reminded to take care on the water as conditions may have changed, including the potential for hazards and debris to create additional risks for water skiers.

Boat operators are also reminded to observe the four-knot speed restrictions in place within 50 metres of a person in the water or on an unpowered vessel such as a canoe, kayak or paddleboard.

A four-knot speed restriction, commonly referred to as a fast-walking speed, applies within 30 metres of another vessel that may be adversely impacted by wash, within 50 metres of a person in the water and 100 metres within a ferry crossing.

Where there is no speed limit, the skipper must always travel at a safe speed.

The importance of a properly fitted lifejacket is critical for all boaties and their passengers, including children.

Lifejackets are rated either Level 150, Level 100, Level 50, or Level 50S, based on how much buoyancy they provide.

Wearing a lifejacket is compulsory on all unpowered vessels, on vessels that are 4.8 metres or under in length and on jet skis and other personal watercraft.

To protect damaged levees as a result of the flood event between Mannum and Wellington, a four-knot speed limit applies to all vessels operating with 250 metres of any engaged levee.

Vessels must not be moored or secured in any way to an engaged levee, and mariners are advised to navigate the area with caution.

Everyone on the water, whether they are earning a living or just having fun, has a responsibility to make sure all boaties get home safe.

Stay informed on changing weather conditions and safety alerts at www.ses.sa.gov.au, www.bom.gov.au or call the SA Emergency Info line on 1800 362 361.

To report navigational hazards and marine safety concerns, visit SA.GOV.AU - Report a marine safety concern (www.sa.gov.au).

Which lifejacket do you need? Which lifejacket do you need? (marinesafety.sa.gov.au).

Safety equipment checker tool: Safety equipment checker tool (marinesafety.sa.gov.au).

For more on River Murray flood recovery and the latest marine safety advice, please visit the State Government’s dedicated website at www.sa.gov.au/floods.