NSW Police have issued a warning to the organisers of school formal celebrations planning to celebrate on the water to be aware of safety requirements.
NSW Police Marine Area Command said it will deploy a highly-visible and mobile policing strategy to ensure the safety and security of the community and those who choose to participate in on-water activities.
Marine Area Commander, Superintendent Stephen Hegarty said that with assistance from NSW Liquor and Gaming, the NSW Food Authority and NSW Roads and Maritime Services, the police conduct regular joint operations targeting licensed chartered vessels, also known as “party boats”.
Supt Hegarty said police planned to conduct regular patrols of King Street Wharf and Darling Harbour, focusing on public safety and targeting anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime.
“With spring just around the corner, we know a number of young people are planning to attend formal celebrations and end-of-school functions on licensed chartered vessels,” Supt Hegarty said.
“We would like to remind any students, parents, carers, and schools that are aware of formal functions being held on party boats, that these licensed chartered vessels are just like pubs or clubs,” he said.
“If you turn up intoxicated, you will be refused entry and you will not be allowed on board.”
Supt Hegarty said that if officers become concerned for the safety of someone on board, they have the power to cancel a cruise at any time.
