Stay safe on the water this summer
Put safety first on the water this summer by wearing a life jacket and making sure safety equipment is up to date.
This summer the safety message is simple, life jacket – wear it.
When it’s busy on the water, there is bad weather or you are boating alone, a life jacket is your best protection.
When you are out on the water enjoying the Queensland sunshine this summer, don’t forget to put safety first.
If you are a skipper, you are responsible for ensuring everyone on board knows where the life jackets are stored and how to put them on in an emergency. But don’t wait until it’s too late, if you are in doubt, put a life jacket on. It is a tragedy that 12 of the 14 people who died on the water in Queensland in 2010 weren’t wearing life jackets.
It is compulsory to wear a life jacket:
- when crossing a coastal bar in an open boat that is less than 4.8 metres in length
- for children under 12 years old in an open boat that is less than 4.8 metres in length, while it is underway.
Sadly, 13 people have died on our waterways this year, and we want everyone to return home safety this summer.
Make sure you check safety equipment and weather warnings before heading out on the water. You should ensure you have all the required safety equipment, including EPIRB, life jackets and flares on board.
When you’re planning any trip, even if it’s a short one, check the forecast, get regular updates and have contingency plans in place for bad weather such as extra fuel.
Always tell the local volunteer marine rescue organisation where you are going, as well as when and where you are due back.
Don’t drink drive when you are driving a boat, remember the same .05 rule applies on the water as on the road.
Further information
