HomeMarine Safety SA   Marine Safety SA July 2026 Newsletter

Marine Safety SA July 2026 Newsletter

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School holidays are here - is your boat ready?

A small recreational boat is floating on calm water. Two people are standing near the side of the boat holding fishing rods. One person is wearing a bright yellow and red lifejacket and appears to be actively reeling in a fishing line, while another person beside them is assisting or fishing alongside. The boat has a canopy overhead for shade and an outboard motor mounted at the rear. The water stretches across the background to the horizon, creating a peaceful coastal boating scene. the weather is over cast with choppy water . The image highlights safe and enjoyable recreational fishing on the water, with lifejacket use clearly visible.

Are you planning a day on the water these school holidays? With winter conditions across South Australia preparation is more important than ever.

Before you launch, take the time to give your vessel a thorough check. Cold weather can put extra strain on your boat, so make sure you check the following essentials to make sure everything is in good working order:

  • Battery
  • Fuel system
  • Engine
  • Lights.

Regular maintenance can help prevent breakdowns and unexpected issues when conditions can be less forgiving.

It’s also the perfect time to check your safety equipment. Make sure lifejackets are in good condition, correctly fitted and ready to use. If you have inflatable lifejackets, check they have been serviced and functioning. Visit the Marine Safety SA website to check your lifejacket fit and learn more about looking after your lifejacket.

Whether you decide to head out now or wait for warmer weather, being prepared makes all the difference. Marine Safety SA provides helpful guidance on maintaining your vessel so you can make informed decisions and enjoy a safer time on the water.

Learn more

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Digital speed signs helping boaties slow down

The image shows two side-by-side photographs of a speed monitoring beacon installed on a navigation marker in a residential waterfront canal. The marker consists of a tall black pole topped with a large green triangular navigation marker. Mounted below is an electronic speed display and a sign showing a speed limit of 4 knots. In the left photograph, the electronic display shows a green smiling face, indicating that a vessel is travelling at or below the speed limit. In the right photograph, the display shows a warning message reading "SLOW DOWN", indicating that a vessel is exceeding the speed limit. The beacon is equipped with solar panels and monitoring equipment mounted around the display. The canal is lined with rock embankments and waterfront homes. The images demonstrate how the speed monitoring beacon provides real-time feedback to boat operators to encourage safe speeds and reduce wash in the waterway.

New electronic speed advisory signs are making a positive impact and helping to improve safety on South Australian waterways. Using radar technology, the signs display a vessel’s speed in real-time, providing a clear reminder to operators to stay within speed limits.

We have seen strong results from trials at North Haven and St Kilda, with average vessel speeds dropping by more than 30% at St Kilda and nearly 15% at North Haven.

Following the successful trials, additional signs have been installed at Barker Inlet on the Port River and Lincoln Cove Marina on the Eyre Peninsula, extending the benefits to more boating communities across the State.

In addition to improving safety, lower vessel speeds can also help to reduce harmful wash, improve safety for other water users and help protect the surrounding marine environment. In areas such as the Port River, it also supports the protection of local wildlife, including the dolphin population.

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More protection for giant Australian cuttlefish

The image is a map titled “Cuttlefish temporary exclusion zone” showing a section of coastline near Point Lowly in South Australia. The map uses an aerial satellite view of the shoreline, surrounding land, and nearby marine waters. Highlighted areas offshore are shaded with different patterns and colours to indicate management zones. A large green hatched area marks the temporary exclusion zone, while an adjacent grey hatched area marks another exclusion zone section. The map also identifies nearby landmarks including Black Point, Story Point, Point Lowly, and Point Lowly North. Coordinates marking the boundaries of the exclusion zones are shown at several points around the perimeter. Land-based features include roads, coastal terrain, industrial infrastructure, and a jetty extending into the water near Point Lowly. A legend at the bottom explains the different zone types, including cuttlefish temporary exclusion zone areas, marine park sanctuary zones, and general managed use zones. An inset map of South Australia shows the location of the exclusion zone on the state's upper Spencer Gulf coastline. A north arrow and scale bar provide orientation and distance information.

Boaters are reminded that a temporary 90-day exclusion zone is now in place at the Giant Australian Cuttlefish breeding site in Upper Spencer Gulf.

From 1 July, restrictions apply between Black Point and Stony Point, including the marine park sanctuary zone. The restrictions are in place to help protect breeding cuttlefish, their eggs and hatchlings.

The restrictions apply to vessel anchoring and in-water recreational activities such as swimming, snorkelling and diving.

Recent surveys by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) have recorded a significant decline in cuttlefish numbers this breeding season, prompting the temporary protection measures.

Boaters planning to visit the area are encouraged to check the latest information and maps before travelling. For full details on the exclusion zone and current requirements, visit the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) website.

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Fresh look at Outer Harbor - New port beacons installed

The image shows marine works being carried out at Outer Harbor, South Australia, near the entrance to the Port River and the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron (RSAYS). In the foreground, a surveyor stands on the shoreline operating a surveying instrument mounted on a tripod. The surveyor is positioned beside a paved waterside path, with safety barriers, rocks and coastal vegetation along the shoreline. On the water, a floating work barge supports a large crane with a tall lattice boom extending high into the sky. The crane appears to be engaged in marine construction or maintenance work within the harbour. Several navigation markers are visible in the water behind the barge, helping guide vessel traffic through the harbour entrance. To the left of the image, a small service vessel is moored alongside a floating pontoon. In the background, a long breakwater stretches across the horizon, protecting the harbour from offshore swell. The water is calm, reflecting the overcast sky above. The photograph highlights surveying and construction activities associated with maintaining marine infrastructure at the entrance to the Port River.

Boaters launching from Outer Harbor and other coastal locations may notice fresh additions on the water, with several port beacons recently replaced as part of ongoing marine safety improvements.

These new beacons have taken the place of older structures, continuing their important role in helping boaties clearly identify the port (left) side and navigate safely through channels and out to sea.

These upgrades help ensure the beacons remain easy to see, reliable and fit for purpose, especially in low light or poor weather conditions. It’s a small but important improvement that supports safer journeys for everyone on the water, whether you’re an experienced skipper or new to boating.

Next time you launch, keep an eye out for the updated beacons.

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Safety in the palm of your hand

The image shows a smartphone displaying the Deckee boating safety app. The app is open to a location at O'Sullivans Beach, Adelaide, South Australia, with vessel details entered and boating conditions displayed for the day. A prominent warning on the screen indicates that conditions are considered dangerous at a specific time, alerting boaters that waves on exposed stretches of water may exceed the safe operating limits for the selected vessel. Additional information shown within the app includes wind speed and direction, swell conditions, and other marine weather data to help boaters assess conditions before heading out on the water. The smartphone is held in one hand against a blurred outdoor background, emphasising the convenience of accessing important safety information while on the go. The image highlights how the Deckee app can help recreational boaters make informed decisions and improve safety on the water.

With the recent rough weather across South Australia, it’s a timely reminder that conditions on the water can change quickly.

The DECKEE app is a simple way to stay up to date, and provides real-time alerts, weather updates and safety information to help you plan ahead and stay safe.

Before launching, take a few minutes to check for any weather warnings, hazards or changes in conditions in your area. You may experience strong winds and swell to reduced visibility and local hazards, so having access to up-to-date information can help you make better decisions and avoid unnecessary risks.

DECKEE can also help you stay on top of your safety equipment.  The app allows you to log items such as lifejackets, flares and other safety gear, and set reminders for upcoming expiry dates.

Keeping your equipment current and in good condition is just as important as checking the forecast before every trip.

A quick check of DECKEE before heading out helps you stay prepared, stay safe and enjoy your time on the water.

Download the DECKEE app via Google Play or the App Store.

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Get a live view before you head out

The image is a collage of nine live camera views showing coastal conditions at a beach. The photographs capture different angles of a sandy shoreline, calm to moderate ocean conditions, and a partly cloudy sky. Several views show wide stretches of beach with gentle waves breaking along the shore, while others look across the water toward the horizon and nearby coastal suburbs. One image includes a jetty extending over the sand and water, while others show beach dunes, coastal vegetation, and pathways leading to the shoreline. The sea appears relatively calm across all camera views, with varying shades of blue and grey reflecting the changing light and cloud cover. The collage demonstrates how live coastal cameras can provide boaters, beachgoers and other water users with real-time information about weather, sea state and beach conditions before visiting the area.

There are now 58 live web cameras across the State, providing boaters a snapshot of real-time conditions at popular boating locations.

The cameras help you see what’s happening on the water. From algal bloom, swell and wind chop to boat traffic, they offer a useful pre-launch check so you can see conditions before you head out.

As many of the webcams are solar powered, availability can vary depending on weather conditions and sunlight. While there may be times when a camera is temporarily unavailable, they remain a valuable planning tool before your trip.

For the best picture of conditions, combine a webcam check with weather updates from the DECKEE or BOM Weather apps to stay informed and make safer decisions before heading out. Remember if in doubt, don’t go out.

Check out the web cameras across metropolitan Adelaide and coastal locations.

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Cold water can be deadly - wear your lifejacket

The image is taken from aboard Wardana, a Marine Safety SA vessel operating at sea. The photograph looks forward along the starboard side of the vessel, with part of the white wheelhouse and large cabin windows visible in the foreground. Water droplets can be seen on the windows, suggesting recent rain or rough weather conditions. The vessel is travelling across open water under a dramatic sky filled with dark storm clouds. The sea is a deep blue-grey, with small waves and ripples extending to the horizon. In the distance, a faint strip of land is visible beneath the cloud cover. The image highlights the challenging conditions that boaters may encounter while conducting activities on South Australian waters.

Falling into cold water can be life threatening, especially during the colder months. The sudden shock can cause gasping, rapid breathing and loss of control, making it easy to inhale water in those first critical moments. Even strong swimmers can quickly become overwhelmed.

Wearing a lifejacket won’t stop the cold but it can save your life and help you to stay above water while you get yourself back into your boat, or wait for help. Always wear your lifejacket over your outer layer. Wearing it under jackets or wet weather gear can prevent it from inflating properly and reduce its ability to keep your airway above water.

Learn more

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Coastal Hazard Warnings extended in South Australia

The image is a Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) coastal hazard warning graphic. The background features aerial photographs of a rugged coastline with waves breaking against rocky cliffs and shorelines. Overlaid on the images are blue panels containing warning information. The Bureau of Meteorology logo appears in the top left corner. A prominent dark blue banner across the centre of the image displays the heading “Coastal Hazard Warnings”. Beneath the heading, large white text advises that warnings for abnormally high tides have been extended in South Australia. The Bureau of Meteorology website address, bom.gov.au, is displayed in the bottom right corner. The graphic is designed to alert coastal communities, boaters and water users to an ongoing coastal hazard event that may result in unusually high tide levels and associated coastal impacts.

South Australians will now receive Coastal Hazard Warnings for abnormally high tides in coastal locations. These warnings were previously only issued for Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf.

Abnormally high tides are sea levels that are higher than the usual highest tides and could lead to flooding of low-lying coastal areas. Learn more about Coastal Hazard Warnings on the Bureau of Meteorology (the Bureau) website.

The Bureau will issue Coastal Hazard Warnings in South Australia through bom.gov.au and the BOM Weather app. Marine wind warnings and coastal forecasts and observations will continue to be issued to inform people about marine conditions.

You can stay up-to-date with the latest warnings on the Bureau's website, or download the BOM Weather app and set warning notifications for your location.

If a hazard is in the area you are visiting, follow the advice of local emergency services.

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Be alert for the national AusAlert test

The image is a promotional banner for the Australian Government's AusAlert emergency warning system. The banner features the Australian Government crest and the AusAlert logo at the top. Large bold text in the centre reads “The AusAlert national test”. Below the heading, the banner states that the national test will occur at 1:30 pm on Monday 27 July 2026 and directs readers to ausalert.gov.au for more information. On the right-hand side of the image, a smartphone is shown displaying a sample emergency alert message on a blue screen. Curved red, blue and white graphic elements surround the phone, representing communication and alert networks. The background is light grey with a subtle pattern of small dots. The image promotes the upcoming national test of Australia's emergency alert system, which is designed to send warnings and emergency information to mobile devices during significant incidents and disasters.

AusAlert, a new national emergency warning system, will launch in October 2026. The system is designed to help people be informed and better prepared during local and national emergencies.

AusAlert uses cell-broadcast technology to send near-instant emergency messages to mobile devices. It could be used during natural hazards (e.g. bushfires or floods), or during significant events (e.g. public health emergencies or public safety incidents).

Before it launches, it is being tested to make sure it works as intended. A national test is planned for 1.30pm ACST (local time) on Monday, 27 July. This follows local community-based tests held across Australia throughout June this year.

Compatible mobile devices may receive a test Critical Alert. The alert may cause devices to vibrate and play a loud siren-like warning sound for around 10 seconds.

As this is only a test, no action is required. Do not call Triple Zero (000).

The Critical Alert may cause a vibration and a siren-like warning sound even if your device:

  • is set to ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’
  • does not have a working SIM card.

You cannot opt out of receiving Critical Alerts.

If receiving the test Critical Alert may cause stress or harm, and you do not want to receive it, you will need to turn your device off or switch to aeroplane/flight mode before the alert time and remain in aeroplane/flight mode for at least one hour after the alert.

To learn more watch the explainer video or visit the AusAlert website.

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