The Queensland Police Service (QPS) along with partner agencies are taking a zero-tolerance approach to boaties neglecting safety and breaking the rules after numerous water enthusiasts have been found speeding, driving under the influence and ignoring safety regulations.
With the Easter long weekend approaching, QPS, Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) have united to promote the importance of safe behaviours on our waterways and beaches.
Between January 1 and March 30, more than 140 people have been found to be operating watercrafts without licenses or with incorrect licenses and 21 individuals have been found to be operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Safety authorities will be out and about the Queensland waterways this Easter long weekend, vigilantly monitoring the use of watercrafts such as jet skis, proper licensing and use of safety equipment.
Police will also be alert for those speeding and testing for drink driving.
QPS Acting Assistant Commissioner Joe Jaramazovic said police will be increasing patrols to ensure that everyone on the water is enjoying themselves safely, particularly during the busy Easter period.
"The Easter long weekend is always a busy time on the water, and unfortunately, we continue to see far too many people breaking the rules," Acting Assistant Commissioner Jaramazovic said.
"With increased traffic on the waterways, it is critical that everyone remains vigilant in their approach to safety by keeping to speed limits, never operating their watercraft while under the influence and ensuring everyone on board has the correct safety gear.
"We are seeing a high number of people on the water operating jet skis without appropriate licences and in these situations, both the operator and the owner of these watercrafts can face significant fines."
To ensure safe boating practices remain a priority for everyone over the long weekend, MSQ will also be increasing patrols on waterways.
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon reminded boating enthusiasts to ensure they have suitable lifejackets for all people on board and to be aware of Queensland's new lifejacket rules, with changes having come into effect on December 1, 2024.
"While our team will be concentrating on education rather than enforcement of the new rules until 1 July of this year, we want skippers to understand and comply with them now. They are in place to protect you and your loved ones.
"It's Easter time and we know families are out on the water in record numbers. Under the new lifejacket rules, all children under 12 years of age must wear a lifejacket – when on an open boat or in the open area of a boat while it's underway," Dillon said.
Wearing a lifejacket is also compulsory:
- when boating alone, or accompanied only by children under 12 years in an open boat less than 4.8m in length and while it's underway.
- when crossing a designated coastal bar in an open boat, in an open area of a boat of any length, and on certain craft.
- when boating at night, between sunset and sunrise in an open boat less than 4.8m in length and underway.
"These rules were developed for good reasons," Dillon said. "Between 2019 to 2024, 64 people drowned in boating incidents in Queensland and only five were known to have been wearing lifejackets.
"Remember - a lifejacket can only save you if you are wearing it."
Surf Life Saving Queensland Lifesaving Services Manager Natalie Edwards said Easter was generally a busy time for Queensland's beaches and coastal areas and it was important for beachgoers to adhere to lifeguard and volunteer lifesavers warnings and only swim between the red and yellow flags.
"With the school holidays coinciding with the Easter Long Weekend, we expect beaches across the state to see an increase in the number of visitations," Edwards said.
"The risk of coastal drowning increases significantly over a public holiday period. Please follow the advice of our surf lifesavers and lifeguards if you are visiting a patrolled beach.
"Set a good example for your children and walk the extra few hundred metres if you need to, to swim between the red and yellow flags.
"We know many also go camping to remote areas so if you are taking the risk to swim in an un-patrolled location, know your limits, do not enter the surf if you are not a confident swimmer and have a plan to call for help if you need it."
"Help us keep all Queensland safe this long weekend."
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.
