Boaties who fail to wear lifejackets in high-risk conditions could cop fines of at least $333 from this week, after new safety laws were introduced.
The laws were introduced in December but the state’s water authority Maritime Safety Queensland is set to clamp down on non-compliance from July 1.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads, which incorporates MSQ, issued a community alert reminding owners of vessels to comply with the new regulations.
TMR stated that the new rules were “aimed at making boating a safer activity for the more than one million Queenslanders with recreational boating licences, and their passengers”.
“The new laws mean lifejackets must be worn at times of greatest risk, such as crossing designated coastal bars and when boating alone or at night on smaller vessels,” it said.
“They are also strongly focused on keeping children safe.”
Lifejackets must be worn when boating alone (or only with children under 12 years) on an open boat that is less than 4.8m in length; crossing a designated coastal bar on an open boat or open area of a boat; boating at night on an open boat that is less than 4.8m; if you are under 12 years in an open boat or open area of a boat; and crossing a coastal bar on small sailing boats (such as lasers amd herons), pedal boats, rafts, rowboats (excluding Surf Life Saving Australia Club surfboats) and sea and surf kayaks.
Since the introduction of the new laws, MSQ has focused on educating boaties about the new requirements.
But the grace period will end on July 1, during the winter school holidays period, and MSQ has warned boaties that if they fail to comply after that date, they could be fined.
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Fines for not complying with lifejacket laws will start at $333.
Sixty-four people drowned in Queensland boating accidents from 2019 and 2023, and only five were wearing lifejackets.
