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High flow caution for River Murray boaties, as Safe Boating Week starts
Friday, 30 September 2022
Boaties and holidaymakers are warned to take care on the water these school holidays as recent heavy rainfall events are causing increased flow into the River Murray.
Predicted water levels are likely to cause minor flooding in shack areas between Cadell and Mannum with flows into South Australia expected to exceed 70,000ML per day and remain high for about a month.
The warning from Marine Safety Officers comes as National Safe Boating Week starts tomorrow (1 October).
National Safe Boating Week is this year focusing on lifejackets and the importance of wearing the right type of lifejacket and carrying out inspections and maintenance on inflatables.
The importance of a properly fitted lifejacket becomes even more critical in times of high flow on the River Murray.
Lifejackets are rated either Level 150, Level 100, Level 50, or Level 50S, based on how much buoyancy they provide.
During rising water levels and flooding, contaminants and debris can often become submerged and create risks for those operating vessels. River-goers are urged not to swim, ride, walk or drive in high flow waterways.
Boat operators are also reminded to observe speed restrictions and secure their mooring, keeping an eye on them as water levels rise and fall.
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 and make the boating experience safe and enjoyable for everyone. Penalties apply if these controls or speed restrictions are not observed.
Those looking to tow skiers at any point must remember the following:
- Anyone being towed must wear a level 50 or 50S lifejacket
- The skipper needs to have a boat licence and the observer needs to be at least 16 years of age or hold a special permit
- The skipper, observer and person being towed must stay below 0.05 alcohol limit
- You cannot tow more than three people
- A boat cannot travel within 100 metres directly behind a person being towed by another boat
- Boats entering the take-off area have right of way.
Everyone, 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 - Reporting boat incidents (www.sa.gov.au).
Which lifejacket do you need? Which lifejacket do you need? (marinesafety.sa.gov.au).
River Murray Flows Reports and mapping can be found at www.waterconnect.sa.gov.au/River-Murray.
For more information about National Safe Boating Week: National safe boating week — ARBSC & ANZSBEG.