South Australia Police (SAPOL) is reminding all river users to check their lifejackets and safety equipment following National Water Safety Day activities at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge yesterday.
Agencies including police from the Murray Mallee Region, Water Operations Unit, South Australia Ambulance Service, Marine Safety, and the State Emergency Service joined forces to promote vital safety messaging to the community.
With temperatures rising and more people expected along the River Murray in the coming weeks, police are highlighting the importance of wearing correctly fitted, compliant lifejackets.
Since 1 January 2025, older-standard lifejackets are no longer acceptable, and all jackets must now meet the AS 4758 safety standard.
Officer in Charge of the Murray Mallee Region, Superintendent Cindy Healey, said police will have a visible presence across the river throughout summer.
"Water Operations and Marine Safety Officers will be on the river patrolling for the next few months as people start to enjoy everything the river has to offer," Superintendent Healey said.
"It is vital people are aware of the dangers when swimming, boating, or fishing and that they abide by all rules and regulations regarding the Harbors and Navigation Act and the Fisheries Act. This includes having compliant life jackets."
Marine Safety and Compliance Manager Gordon Panton said lifejackets continue to be the most important piece of safety equipment when boating.
"Over the past 20 years, boating related incidents were the second leading cause of drowning deaths in South Australia," Mr Panton said.
"As the name suggests, a lifejacket can save your life, giving you more time to be rescued in the event of an emergency."
The Marine Safety team will also be running a few Stay Afloat clinics in the Riverland and Murraylands this month, where people can undertake a free lifejacket maintenance check and receive replacement parts if required.
As part of the Riverland and Murraylands Respect the River – Make the Right Call campaign, SAPOL and partner agencies will continue delivering coordinated water safety messaging throughout the summer season, with a strong emphasis on lifejacket compliance, avoiding alcohol around water, knowing the conditions, and supervising children.
Superintendent Healey encouraged all river users to stay aware of changing conditions, understand their limits, and take extra care on the water.
For information on lifejacket regulations and safe boating practices, visit marinesafety.sa.gov.au.
Report unsafe behaviour on the water to SAPOL on 131 444.
