Back-to-back Easter and Anzac Day long weekends will see officers from South Australia Police (SAPOL) continue working with partner agencies as part of ongoing water safety operations.
An increase in people enjoying a variety of waterways is egg-spected over the period, with police and Marine Safety Officers ramping up patrols across inland and coastal locations coinciding with school holidays.
"We encourage the public to make the most of the warm weather and enjoy our waterways, but they must do so safely," Senior Sergeant Darian Leske from SAPOL's Water Operations Unit said.
"Police will be working with our partner agencies to ensure everyone is acting responsibly while on the water, by detecting breaches of the Harbours and Navigation Act.
"We will be conducting safety equipment checks and random alcohol and drug testing of boat operators, observers and skiers, because as on land, a blood alcohol limit of 0.05 applies."
From 27 December 2024 to 3 February 2025, Operation Riversafe saw 205 vessel checks by police alone, 204 alco tests, 115 drug tests, 28 cautions, eight expiations and six reports (four positive drugs, two prescribed concentration of alcohol). Marine Safety Officers also support this operation.
In addition to having a road safety operation in place, SAPOL is also mindful avoidable water tragedies can occur when risks are taken.
"While South Australians are being asked to 'keep it sweet on the road' this Easter, let's also keep it sweet on the water," Senior Sergeant Leske urged.
"Alcohol or drugs and water don't mix. An incident at Mannum over the Australia Day long weekend is a prime example of this."
Failing to carry appropriate safety equipment, misuse of or not carrying lifejackets, outdated flares, unregistered vessels and exceeding speed limits were the top five non-compliance issues among water users last Easter period.
"It only takes a moment to put a lifejacket on, but not wearing one on the water when trouble strikes can cost your life in an instant," Gordon Panton, Manager Marine Safety and Compliance at the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, said.
"More than one third of the vessels we checked last Easter on coastal waters and at boat ramps were non-compliant, with misuse of or not carrying lifejackets among the most common issues.
"Boaties and holidaymakers are reminded to check their lifejackets are to standard, fit well, and are in good working condition, that they are operating safely and keeping to speed limits around other water users, and they have the right safety equipment on board."
Since 1 January 2025, older standard lifejackets have no longer been acceptable to use, and jackets must now meet the AS 4758 standard.
Fisheries will also have an on-water and on-land presence across the entire state over the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, and officers will be especially checking compliance with the no take zones for snapper over the period.
"We ask that fishers adhere to size and bag limits and fishing gear regulations and are encouraged to access the Rec Fishing App or the PIRSA website for further information," Gary Darter, acting General Manager Operations Support at PIRSA, said.
"To combat the spread of the Abalone virus AVG, decontamination protocols apply to fishing devices and boats, especially those operating from the Murray Mouth to the Victorian Border.
"Remember, Check, Clean and Dry. Full details are also on the PIRSA website.
"If you see anything unusual, please report any concerns to Fishwatch on 1800 065 522."
Plus, don't forget:
* Let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back.
* Slow your vessel to 4 knots when near other boats, ramps, jetties, swimmers, surfaces and the shore.
* Keep your keys in a safe location. Do not hide them in your car, caravan or boat.
* Remove fishing rods, tackle boxes and eskies from boats and trailers when not in use.
* Securely attach trailers and boats to a vehicle or a solid fixture when not in use.
* Be aware of water safety issues at the beach or at the river including rips and currents, maritime safety and the dangers of marine life.
* Never leave valuable items unattended or under a beach towel. Use a watertight container or leave your items secured in your holiday home.
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.
Gordon Panton, Manager Marine Safety and Compliance at the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Senior Sergeant Darian Leske from SAPOL's Water Operations Unit and Gary Darter, acting General Manager Operations Support at PIRSA at North Haven Marina today, sharing a school holiday water safety message.
