Plan ahead, gear up and stay safe

Let’s work together to make sure you are ship-shape this boating season.

We have collected lots of useful tips and links to help you plan ahead and stay safe. Our Marine Safety SA team will also be at boat ramps across the state. They are always willing to have a chat about all things boating safety.

First things first, prepare for your day on the water with this handy list of tips for being safe on board your boat or vessel.

This will refresh your knowledge for what to do:

before setting out
when aboard
while on the water
if your trip goes wrong.

Check if your lifejacket is ship-shape

Wear it. Maintain it. Stay safe.

Our lifejacket laws help to keep everyone safe when enjoying our state’s waterways.

The level of lifejacket you need, and when you must wear it, depends on:

your vessel (type and length)
your age
where you are operating
the conditions.

Use our online tool to check which lifejacket you need.

Remember, your lifejacket must meet Australian Standard (AS) 4758 or another acceptable international standard.

Need help with lifejacket fit, requirements for kids or maintenance?

Find more information about lifejackets or visit our Stay Afloat lifejacket clinics. They share boating safety information at boat ramps and key events across the state.

Make sure your speed is ship-shape near others

Cool your jets. Know the rules. Stay safe.

Before you jump on your personal watercraft (jet ski), make sure you know these rules:

You must always travel at a safe speed. This means you can stop your jet ski quickly to avoid danger.
Slow to 4 knots within 50 metres of:
- other people in the water
- small unpowered craft
- flags marking a diver below.
Keep to 4 knots or less within 200 metres of the metropolitan shoreline.
Similar restrictions apply:
- in many popular swimming, recreational and tourist areas
- near other vessels and infrastructure.

Have fun, but ride safe and know the rules for personal watercraft safety.

If you are on a boat, make sure you know the speed limits for your area, activity and surroundings.

Plan ahead. Gear up. Stay safe.

Take some time to explore our website and refresh your boating safety knowledge before you head out.

A few last tips from us:

Make sure you have the right safety gear. What you need depends on your vessel and where you are.
Check the weather before and during your day on the water. Conditions can change quickly.
Share your trip details with someone on land.
Know what to do in an emergency.