The Queensland Police Service (QPS) Water Police is reminding boaties to check their safety equipment is in date before heading out on the water, after a recent coastal patrol operation found some people were non-compliant.
With officers expecting an increase in recreational vessels on the water this week due to the Royal Show public holiday, they say doing these checks and balances early could be lifesaving.
The reminder comes after officers conducted coastal patrols as part of Operation Sandy Bunker II over a two-week period in June, which focused on marine safety between Central Queensland and Brisbane.
During the operation, officers intercepted more than 150 vessels, conducting compliance checks, breath tests and encouraging safe conduct on the water.
Of those checked, 13 vessel operators were found to have safety equipment that was out of date or non-compliant, which resulted in 16 infringements and cautions being issued.
During its two-week voyage, the 24-metre patrol vessel, Brett T Handran, travelled between Brisbane and Gladstone to educate the boating community about crime prevention, safe boating practices and new life jacket regulations.
The patrol incorporated high-visibility and proactive engagement around Double Island Point and Rainbow Beach, as well as through the Great Sandy Strait off the west of K'Gari (Fraser Island), before continuing north to the Bunker Group including Lady Musgrave Island and Heron Island.
The vessel and crew then turned west to Gladstone and continued south down the coast passing Seventeen Seventy, Agnes Water, Burnett Heads, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Urangan, before doubling back to Brisbane.
The initiative incorporated locally based Water Police from along the coast, who joined the crew on board the Brett T Handran as it passed through their areas.
Water Police Officer in Charge, Senior Sergeant Andrew Howie, said that while there were people found to be doing the wrong thing, it was encouraging to see how many were taking water safety seriously.
"Every time we encounter someone doing the wrong thing on the water, we know they are in the minority and that most boaties act with safety as a top priority in their mind," Senior Sergeant Howie said.
"With this in mind, I thank everyone who operates their vessel safely and is proactive in ensuring their safety equipment such as flares and life jackets are compliant.
"To those people who choose to be reckless and continue to exhibit dangerous behaviours on Queensland's waterways, we remind you that your decisions not only affect you, but everyone on board your vessel and within your path.
"Do not let a fun day on the water end in tragedy."
Water Police are reminding everyone to be extra cautious and vigilant if they're taking advantage of the public holiday, to ensure the waterways remain an enjoyable space for everyone.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
