Among the hundreds of rivergoers spoken to by police on the River Murray over the summer, the vast majority were found to be doing the right thing. However, of concern to SA Police were the number of solo boaties found not wearing personal flotation devices, or those in boats less than 4.8m in length who also weren't complying with the regulations.
From 27 December until 10 January Operation Riversafe saw teams from the SA Police Water Operations Unit take to the River Murray as visitor numbers in the region swell.
New lifejacket regulations came into effect in December 2017, with a 12-month education and awareness campaign undertaken by DPTI Marine Safety Officers after that.
This summer, police conducted 148 safety equipment checks, and noted that generally there was good compliance with the regulation that requires children under the age of 12 to wear personal floatation devices.
In the majority of cases those who were not complying with the regulation were issued with a formal caution by police.
With perfect boating conditions continuing for a few more months yet, police urge all those on the river, or on any other body of water, to make sure they are paying attention to all the lifejacket requirements. For more information: https://dpti.sa.gov.au/ondeck/news?a=389610
One jetski operator – a 31-year-old man from Mt Barker - tested positive for meth and is expected to face further legal consequences upon the completion of forensic testing.
Police also lent a helping hand to three broken down boaties during the Operation.
Totals
Safety checks: 148
Expiations issued: 8
Cautions issued: 29
Arrests/reports: 1
Alco tests: 171 (nil positive)
Drug test: 126 (1 positive)
