Know your knots for a safe summer

Tuesday, 19 December 2023

As South Australians start to head off on Christmas leave, Marine Safety Officers are urging those taking to the water to slow down.

A new campaign, launching this week, is reminding skippers that speed limits apply in some areas and can vary based on location.

Already this boating season, Marine Safety Officers have issued dozens of expiations for speeding offences to boaters and personal watercraft operators.

Four-knot speed restrictions apply within 50 metres of a person in the water, a vessel or buoy displaying a flag, a person in or on a canoe, kayak, surf-ski, surfboard and within 30 metres of any other vessel, jetty, wharf, or other places a boat is being launched.

Four-knot restrictions also apply within 100 metres of a ferry crossing on the River Murray, within a mooring area, boat haven or in marinas where clearly signposted.

Jet-ski users must also be aware of the four-knot speed limit that applies within 200 metres of the metropolitan coast, from the breakwater at Outer Harbor to the southern limit of Sellicks Beach.

Popular waters at Henley Beach are restricted to all vessel traffic within 200 metres of the shoreline, between Grange Road and the River Torrens outlet.

Personal watercraft operators must display a ‘RIDE SMART’ sticker on their vessel and always abide by the conditions of the sticker.

Throughout summer, Marine Safety Officers will be on the water and at boat ramps ensuring boaters have the correct safety equipment and are travelling at safe speeds.

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

Marine safety crews have been busy this year with the operational clean up following the River Murray 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).

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 DIT Manager, Marine Safety and Compliance Gordon Panton:

For those enjoying holidays this summer, the water is often the place to be. But we need to ensure we are creating an environment that is safe and enjoyable for all water users, including marine wildlife.

It is the responsibility of all skippers to know any restrictions that apply to their vessel, or the waters they are operating in.

Where there is no signed speed limit, we recommend travelling at a speed which gives you enough time to stop or turn your vessel to avoid any sudden danger. Be aware of the impact of your wake and wash on others and adjust your speed as you travel.

This summer, Marine Safety Officers will be paying attention to vessels in restricted areas, particularly looking out for speeding but also making sure everyone has the appropriate safety gear with them – and penalties will apply for anyone caught doing the wrong thing.

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 so everyone can enjoy the water safely.