South Australia Police (SAPOL) has joined partner agencies to urge river and beach users to make water safety a priority leading into the Australia Day long weekend.
Police and Marine Safety Officers will have an increased presence on the water and at local boat ramps as summer continues, focusing on drug and alcohol testing, safety equipment compliance checks, and enforcing lifejacket laws.
Commencing on 27 December 2024, Operation Riversafe will continue until 3 February 2025, promoting safety and compliance on the Murray River. Water Operations have so far deployed members to Morgan, Waikerie, Cadell, Lake Bonney, Mannum, Blanchetown, Berri and Renmark.
So far police have contacted 219 people, conducted 102 vessel safety equipment checks, 81 alco tests, 47 drug swipes and issued six expiations, 11 cautions, and three reports for positive drug tests.
Officer in Charge of the Murray Mallee Local Service Area, Acting Chief Superintendent Cindy Healey said recent marine-related incidents presented a stark reminder of being prepared and sharing plans with others before heading out on the water.
"This time of year, we see an influx of people enjoying water activities, including on the Murray River, but with this comes a variety of risks" she said.
"It is vital people are aware of the dangers when swimming, boating, or fishing and that they abide by all rules and regulations regarding the Harbours and Navigation Act and the Fisheries Act.
"The river and alcohol don't mix! All vessel operators, observers and skiers are required to be under 0.05 and we will be actively alcohol and drug testing over the long weekend and holiday period."
Gordon Panton, Manager Marine Safety & Compliance reminded people enjoying any water activities to stay up to date with equipment compliancy, including lifejacket standards.
"South Australia's lifejacket laws are there to keep everyone safe when enjoying a day out on the water and that is why we have strengthened the safety standards," he said.
"Since 1 January 2025, older standard lifejackets have no longer been acceptable to use, instead users must ensure their jackets meet the AS 4758 standard, which gives the wearer greater buoyancy and reflection.
"Marine Safety Officers have been out on the water checking people's equipment and undertaking an educational approach in reminding users of the change".
Minister for Police Dan Cregan said all water users had a role to play over the busy summer period.
"Following the rules and regulations means everyone can enjoy the water safely and action will be taken to address dangerous behaviour," Minister Cregan said.
"Authorities will maintain a highly visible presence on the water, providing support where required."
Chief Superintendent Healey also encouraged people to know their abilities and to respect the river and others when enjoying the water.
"Be careful, be respectful, and our Water Operations Unit police will continue to work alongside Marine Safety Officers to provide education and assistance to river users who need it," she added.
Meanwhile, SAPOL will also deploy trail bikes and all-terrain vehicles to support foot patrols in monitoring behaviour on coastal areas and traffic congestion on drive-on beaches, which now have a default speed limit of 40km/h or 25km/h when drivers are within 50 metres of pedestrians.
For more information on boating rules and regulations, visit: South Australian boating safety handbook (marinesafety.sa.gov.au)
Report any suspicious behaviour to SAPOL by calling 131 444.
South Australia Police Water Operations Unit officers will patrol waterways this Australia Day long weekend, with vessel operators, observers and skiers reminded police will be conducting drug and alcohol tests as part of Operation Riversafe.
