Boaters urged to stay safe on long weekend

7 March 2019

This March long weekend is forecast to provide great conditions for boaters, and Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure Marine Safety patrols will be in full swing on the Yorke Peninsula and other areas of the state.

This year, marine safety officers will pay special attention to carriage of flares, correct use of navigation lights, and the wearing of lifejackets.

DPTI maritime safety manager, Gordon Panton, said lifejacket wearing laws which were introduced in late 2017 ensured the best chance of survival if a boater ends up in the water unexpectedly and especially if they are injured.

“Even on bigger boats, it is best to wear a lifejacket whilst boating, because it is very difficult to put one on once you are in the water, should something go wrong,” he said.

The OLD4NEW lifejacket upgrade voucher exchange has been rolled out across the state for the second year and has helped boaters to obtain modern, easy to wear lifejackets which are suitable for their activity.

Boaters can exchange their old lifejacket for a voucher at Wallaroo, Port Broughton and Port Vincent over the long weekend.

Details of times can be found on https://dpti.sa.gov.au/ondeck/news?a=396521