Safety number one priority heading into this boating season

Wednesday, 27 September 2023

As the summer season beckons, water lovers and boaties are asked to brush up on safety precautions including servicing their lifejackets, safety equipment and understanding speed limits.

In the past 12 months, Marine Safety Officers have inspected more than 3000 vessels at boat ramps and on the water to find a sea of non-compliance, with lifejacket misuse among the most concerning for officials.

464 high level safety cautions were issued, while 343 people were stopped from launching and more than 280 expiations were handed out.

Of those expiations, 85 were given to people not carrying the appropriate lifejackets on board. A further 103 cautions were also issued.

Almost 600 expiations and cautions were also issued to people for carrying expired flares, inappropriate or insufficient safety equipment and for speeding.

With the launch of National Safe Boating Week next week and the recreational boating season soon to commence, these statistics serve as a reminder to prioritise water safety - particularly following the River Murray floods earlier this year which saw restrictions placed on river access for safety reasons.

For those looking to head out on the river for the first time since flood restrictions lifted, Marine Safety Officers and South Australia Police have listed the top priorities for this boating season.

Lifejackets are the most important piece of safety equipment when boating – boats are required to carry enough lifejackets for each person on board.

Lifejackets are rated either Level 150, Level 100, Level 50, or Level 50S, based on how much buoyancy they provide and must be properly fitted and serviced regularly.

A four-knot speed restriction applies within 50 metres of a person or non-powered vessel and within 30 metres of any other vessel.

Four-knots is commonly referred to as a fast-walking speed. Slow down, be aware of the impact of wake and wash on others and make the boating experience safe and enjoyable for everyone. Penalties apply if these controls or speed restrictions are not observed.

Every boat must carry safety equipment suitable for its size and the waters it will be used in, and it must be in good working order, readily accessible and protected from the water and weather.

Marine safety crews have been busy with the operational clean up following the floods, however boaters are reminded to be aware of any remaining contaminants and debris that could create risks for operating vessels.

Unmarked navigational hazards and marine safety concerns can be reported: SA.GOV.AU - Reporting boat incidents (www.sa.gov.au).

Check which safety equipment is required for your boat: Safety equipment checker tool (marinesafety.sa.gov.au).

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

For more information about National Safe Boating Week (30 September – 6 October): National safe boating week — ARBSC & ANZSBEG.

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.

Quotes attributable to Manager, Marine Safety and Compliance Gordon Panton:

We are a water loving nation – from rivers to harbours and beaches, it is important that we all enjoy the water safely.

With the start of the school holidays, the upcoming recreational boating season and of course National Safe Boating Week, we are reminding all boaters that you can’t put a price on safety. Your lifejacket is better on you in an emergency than out of reach on your boat – or worse, at home.

The same goes for all safety equipment, from flares to fire extinguishers and torches.

Lifejackets should be in good condition with no tears, cuts or any straps that are frayed. Check your lifejacket meets the current Australian Standards and service inflatable lifejackets in line with manufacturers instructions – generally once a year. All equipment must be in date.

Our crews have been working around the clock for the past few months following the River Murray floods to survey the river, marking or removing hazards and debris but it’s an ongoing exercise so we are asking everyone on the river this summer to be mindful of hazards that may still emerge.

And if you do see any hazards on the river, please report them back to us through our Marine Safety website so we can head out, assess it, mark it, and remove it if needed.

We don’t want to be stopping people from enjoying their day out by sending them ashore or issuing expiations so make sure you are doing the right thing and if you see Marine Safety Officers about, please come and ask any questions you may have – no question is a silly question in boating.

Quotes attributable to SAPOL Officer in Charge, Murray Mallee Local Service Area Cindy Healey:

Police remind all vessel operators, observers and skiers that they are required to be under 0.05. If you’ve been drinking alcohol don’t head onto the water – police officers will be actively alcohol and drug testing.

Police patrols will be on the waterways throughout the warmer weather and would like to remind the public of their requirements of wearing a life jacket.