Cool your jets!

A person on a jet ski.

This spring school holiday, Maritime Safety Queensland is reminding all boaties and personal watercraft (PWC) riders to “Cool Your Jets” and put safety first on the water.

From the September school holidays and into the summer months, MSQ officers will be out on the water delivering compliance checks and safety education to help keep Queensland’s waterways safe.

We’ll be focused on these behaviours:

  1. stick to speed and distance-off rules – slow down to protect those around you
  2. keep a proper lookout – always know what’s around you
  3. wear your lifejacket – it could save your life.

By cooling your jets, you’ll help ensure a safer, more enjoyable time on the water for everyone.

Stick to the speed limit and distance off

Speed limits are there to protect everyone on the water. Always check for speed limit signs and follow the rules, even if no signs are posted.

  • All boats: If you’re within 30m of people in the water, the shore*, a jetty, or other structures, you must slow down to 6 knots or less.
  • PWCs: Slow down to 6 knots or less when within 60m of people, the shore*, a jetty, or other structures.
  • Notwithstanding set speed rules, masters of all vessels also have an obligation to travel at a”safe speed” - taking into account other vessel congestion, navigational constraints, weather conditions and visibility.

*Exceptions apply

Learn more about speed limits

Keep a proper lookout

Staying alert is key to avoiding collisions and emergencies so please always:

  • watch and listen for other vessels, changing weather, sea conditions, and water depth
  • understand what’s happening around you and how it may affect your vessel
  • predict risks and be ready to respond
  • keep track of your fuel, know your systems, and stay familiar with your vessel.

Find out more about collision regulations.

Carry and wear the right safety gear

As of 1 September, all lifejackets must meet the current Australian Standard AS4758 and wear one during high-risk activities.

For PWC riders, please always wear a lifejacket and choose the correct type for your conditions whether on smooth or rough waters. Also, please carry any other required safety gear depending on where you’re riding (like a signalling device, flares, EPIRBs and more).

Check the lifejacket rules and different rules for PWC users.

Stay tuned for ongoing safety messages on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Last updated
17 September 2025