Tips for National Safe Boating Week

As part of National Safe Boating Week, Australians are being urged to put safety first whenever they’re out on the sea, the river or a lake.

If you love boating, you’ll understand the importance of preparation, safety and responsibility … which is why government agencies work hard to provide frameworks and laws for the boating community in Australia. The responsibility for safety and ensuring boaters get home from the water in one piece belongs to everyone. It’s only together that we can establish and maintain important guidelines to ensure safe boating practices. Together with the below simple steps, vessel operators should always be sober and vigilant of potential threats in and on the water — operator inattention is a common cause for accidents.

National Safe Boating Week, running from 30 September to 6 October 2023, is an important week dedicated to raising awareness of safe boating behaviours across Australia. Read on to find out how you can ensure you have a safe boating adventure.

To ensure that the highest safety standards are met, there are seven simple steps recommended by the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport:

1. Know it — safe boating means knowing the limits of your vessel … before you go, ensure your boat is seaworthy and appropriate for your chosen activity. Valuable knowledge can go a long way.
2. Service it — safe boating means being a responsible boat owner … boats need regular maintenance, servicing and safety checks to keep them in good shape.
3. Pack it — safe boating means carrying the right safety equipment … you’ll need different items depending on your boat type and whether you’re in open or enclosed waters.
4. Check it — safe boating means assessing the weather and choosing a suitable time and place to go out … conditions can change quickly so don’t hesitate to go back in, and remember, if in doubt, don’t go out.
5. Plan it — safe boating means planning your trip and telling an emergency contact where you’re headed and what time you’ll be back … where possible, log on and off with Marine Rescue, and ensure you have the right communication equipment on board.   
6. Learn it — safe boating means knowing the rules and laws that keep us all safe … boating safety is a responsibility we all share as waterway users.
7. Wear it — safe boating means wearing a lifejacket, the most important proven safety device on any recreational vessel.

If you follow these simple steps when out on the water, you give yourself and your passengers the best chance to enjoy a safe day and more importantly, get home alive. Don’t become a statistic by being brazen on the water — the ocean and other waterways and what lurks beneath can become extremely dangerous and should be respected at all times.

In addition to the above, you should always endeavour to maintain a safe speed, make sure your vessel is in good condition, have the right communication device on board, have a float plan and if uncomfortable or unconfident driving your vessel, sitting a boating safety course. For more information regarding boat safety courses, boating licenses and passenger information, go here.

Which lifejacket do you need?

Australian lifejacket laws help to keep you and your loved ones safe when enjoying our country’s expansive waterways. The level of lifejacket you need and where you must wear it depends on your vessel (type and length), your age, where you are operating and the conditions. Make sure your lifejacket fits well and is in proper working condition. A lifejacket not operating correctly is useless, and safety gear is only helpful if accessible in an emergency. If you’re still unsure which lifejacket is best suited to your needs, go here.

Marine safety officers will be out and about during National Safe Boating Week so if you see them at your local boat ramp, stop by to say hello and ask any questions you may have about boating safely.

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