With more than two million people using boats and other watercraft on NSW waterways, the NSW Government is seeking public opinion on the proposed Maritime Safety Plan 2026.
The people of NSW are invited to give their views on two options that will simplify and expand lifejacket requirements under the plan. They include:
- Option 1: the mandatory wearing of lifejackets by adults on vessels less than six metres long when on the move, and at all times for vessels less than six metres when boating alone, on alpine waters or between sunset and sunrise.
- Option 2: the mandatory wearing of lifejackets by adults on vessels less than six metres long in enclosed waters when on the move, on all vessels in open waters in the open area of the vessel when on the move, and at all times when boating alone, on alpine waters or between sunset and sunrise.
Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance said more than seven out of 10 people presumed drowned in recreational boating incidents over 10 years to 2019-20, were not wearing a lifejacket.
"We want to hear from NSW boaters on the two new lifejacket options that have been developed, because we need to make the law easier for people to understand and save more lives on our waterways," Mr Constance said.
Public consultation closes on Friday, 24 September. View the Have Your Say page on the NSW Government website to learn more.
