More than 90 per cent of NSW boater found complying with safety regulations.
NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has reported that the majority of NSW boaters complied with maritime safety regulations during the Easter long weekend.
RMS said more than 90 per cent of NSW boaters were found to be complying with maritime safety regulations, including travelling at safe speed and wearing a lifejacket during Operation Take Care, Be Aware.
Acting Executive Director of Maritime with Roads and Maritime Services, Mark Hutchings, said the high compliance rate demonstrated that the majority of boaters were doing the right thing.
“The safety awareness operation took place over the Easter long-weekend – which marks the end of the traditional boating season – and focused on ensuring skippers were keeping a proper lookout and passengers were kept safe,” Mr Hutchings said.
“Throughout the operation it was pleasing to see more than 90 per cent of all boaters complying with waterways rules including the requirements to wear a lifejacket and travel at a safe speed,” he said.
“These types of operations are conducted regularly throughout the state to make sure people are enjoying their time on the water without having to fear for their personal safety.”
Mr Hutchings said that while the compliance rate among boaters was high, there were still some reckless people on the water who were putting themselves and others at risk.
“Boating safety regulations are there to keep everyone safe, and those who choose not to obey the rules are putting themselves and others at unnecessary risk,” he said.
“Even one person caught without their lifejacket, not keeping a proper lookout, speeding, or over the legal limit is one too many – there is no excuse.”
He said Operation Take Care, Be Aware supported the outcomes of the Maritime Safety Plan 2021 to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on the state’s waterways.
During the operation, NSW Maritime boating safety and boating education officers inspected 1,935 recreational vessels and 371 personal watercraft, and issued 68 penalty notices for a variety of offences.
