Marine safety teams from South Australia have been working on the River Murray in recent weeks identifying and marking potential hazards for boaties and holidaymakers as rainfall continues through parts of the Murray-Darling Basin.
Keeping a close eye on the situation, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) is conducting extra safety checks along the River Murray to identify hazards posed by higher flows, and clearly mark them with signage and buoys.
The Department said that while it is not possible to mark every potential hazard due to the size of the river system, marine safety teams have been identifying and marking hazards near high-traffic locations, including public launching and landing facilities or where a clear navigation pass is required to be marked.
“Further signage will also be installed in key locations along the river to advise the public of general hazards in the area,” the Department said.
It said marine safety teams were working closely with local Councils and other Government agencies, including the Department for Environment and Water, SA Police and State Emergency Service to report, assess and mitigate hazards on the river.
“Shack and property owners have a role to play to help marine safety teams to identify any submerged infrastructure such as jetties and pontoons,” DIT said.
“Guidelines and recommendations are currently being finalised to further educate shack and property owners on how they can mark submerged infrastructure.”
It called on anyone noticing a potential hazard on the River Murray to report it to the Marine Safety SA website.
“During rising water levels and flooding, contaminants and debris can often become submerged and create additional risks for those operating vessels and in the water,” it said.
It also reminded river-goers not to swim, ride, walk or drive in high flow waterways.
“Locals are also urged to check that their vessel moorings are secure as water levels rise, if it is safe to do,” the Department said.
The Marine Safety SA website can be accessed at this PS News link and the latest information on the River Murray flows is available on this PS News link.
