4 knot speed limit and restrictions for vessels on the River Murray
23 November 2022
To protect infrastructure and the safety of all river users and property owners, restrictions on boating and aquatic activities will now apply along the River Murray, including a 4 knot vessel speed limit in certain locations.
All vessels and any other watercraft on the River Murray (applies from the South Australian border with Victoria through to the ferry landings at Wellington) are restricted to a maximum speed of 4 knots when operating:
- within 250 metres of any partially or wholly submerged dwelling or building
- within 250 metres of any partially or wholly submerged levee bank
- at night or during conditions of low or restricted visibility.
All personal watercraft (commonly referred to as jet-skis) must not exceed a maximum speed of 4 knots on any part of River Murray (applies from the South Australian border with Victoria through to the ferry landings at Wellington).
River-goers are not permitted to swim, bathe or dive within 250 metres of a lock or weir.
Canoes, kayaks, surf skis, rowboats or other human-powered vessels or aquatic toys are also not permitted to be used or operated within 250 metres of a lock or weir (applies from the South Australian border with Victoria through to the ferry landings at Wellington).
Vessel operators are required to ensure each passenger on board is wearing a lifejacket (level 50 standard or above) on the open deck at all times, even when the vessel is at anchor.
These additional restrictions are necessary for community safety due to the risks posed by higher flows and to limit damage to property and infrastructure caused by river users travelling at higher speeds.
Marine safety teams and SAPOL officers will have an increased presence on the water, with any person or vessel operator found in breach of any one of these restrictions subject to a maximum penalty of $10,000.
A 4 knot speed restriction will continue to apply within 50 metres of a person or non-powered vessel and within 30 metres of any other vessel.
Personal watercraft operators are reminded that they are not permitted to operate at night, regardless of their speed.
4 knots is commonly referred to as a fast-walking speed. Please slow down and make the boating experience as safe as possible for everyone.
During rising water levels and flooding, contaminants and debris can often become submerged and create additional risks for those operating vessels and in the water.
River-users are reminded not to swim, ride, walk or drive in high flow waterways.
Locals are also urged to check that their vessel moorings are secure as water levels rise, if it is safe to do.
Marine Safety Officers are continuing to mark hazards on the river using yellow buoys and signage, particularly in high traffic locations.
You can report a hazard on the River Murray and access the latest safety information on the Marine Safety website at www.marinesafety.sa.gov.au/river-murray-high-flows-2022-marine-safety-advice.
For more on River Murray high flows, please visit the State Government’s dedicated website at www.sa.gov.au/topics/emergencies-and-safety/river-murray-high-flows-2022.