NSW Maritime, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Police Marine Area Command, and Surf Life Saving NSW have joined forces on NSW waterways, calling on the public to put safety first this boating season, which begins this Labour Day long weekend.
With a hot summer predicted, the state's water rescue agencies are on high alert for a busy boating season ahead.
The start of the boating season aligns with National Safe Boating Week, a week long initiative with a focus on lifejacket wear, care and servicing. All boaters are encouraged to always wear a lifejacket, make sure everybody on board is wearing one, and remember it can only save your life if you're wearing it.
Over the last five years, there have been 13 boating-related fatalities on Hunter waterways, with nine of those found to not be wearing a lifejacket.
Statewide, there were 61 coastal drownings along the state's coastline last financial year, with life savers undertaking 4,489 surf rescues.
Leading into the season launch NSW Maritime kicked off the school holidays with Operation Get On Board, a two-day statewide safety and education blitz to help boaters prepare for the months ahead on the water.
NSW Maritime has conducted 33,265 vessel safety checks in the Hunter over the past five years.
While the majority of boaters have been doing the right thing, the top 3 offences in the Hunter over the last five years have been:
- License offences or unregistered vessels - 1478
- Lifejacket non-compliance - 1239
- Improper or no safety equipment on board - 969
All boaters are encouraged to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW before spending a day on the water.
Logging On provides peace of mind for boaters and their families, knowing that dedicated volunteers will keep watch for their safe return. It is quick and easy to Log On via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16. It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime.
For more on boating safety visit, https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/waterways-safety-and-rules/lifejackets-and-safety-equipment/equipment-checklist
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:
"New South Wales is the best place in the world to get out on the water, but popular waterways are busy waterways and we have to work hard to remind every skipper and their passengers safe.
"Lots of boats will have been sitting idle over winter, so give them a proper once over and check all your safety gear is on board before you set out on the water.
"Last summer, Boating Safety Officers carried out around 35,000 vessel safety checks across the state and lifejacket non-compliance was the number one offence, accounting for 30 per cent.
"Sadly, there have been six boating related fatalities this financial year, and five of whom were not wearing a lifejacket.
"A lifejacket can only save you if you're wearing it. So if you step into a boat, pop on a lifejacket. It'll keep you safe."
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said:
"Police will be patrolling all the state's waterways including dams and rivers and will not tolerate any dangerous and anti-social behaviour this boating season.
"Officers will be conducting drug and alcohol testing as well as compliance checks - so make sure that your vessel is in good working order, know your vessel's capabilities and don't go beyond its limits.
"We want everyone to get home safely, so we remind skippers that they are responsible for the safety of everyone on board their vessel - it is vital that everyone has a fitted lifejacket, as it could save a life."
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
"As the weather warms up and people flock back to our waterways, it's important that boat users check they have enough life jackets on board and make sure their vessels are seaworthy.
"Our Marine Rescue NSW volunteers dedicate their time to keeping water users safe, and communities need to do their bit by logging on and off with Marine Rescue NSW so volunteers know they are on the water."
