Plan ahead, gear up and stay safe
This page provides helpful links to prepare your boat to get out on the water, including:
- pack the right safety equipment
- operate safely while on the water
- share the water with other aquatic activities and wildlife.
To prepare for a day on the water, follow these useful tips on being safe on board.
This covers what to do to boat safely:
- before setting out
- when aboard
- while on the water
- if your trip goes wrong.
Remember to plan ahead, gear up and stay safe on South Australian waters.
Plan ahead
Your lifejacket is your lifeline. Ensure it's the right fit and in top condition!
Discover the perfect lifejacket for you with our online checker tool.
To know which lifejacket you need, answer the questions about:
- your vessel
- your age
- the location
- the conditions.
From 1 January 2025, lifejackets that meet older Australian Standards AS 1512, AS 1499 and AS 2260 will no longer be acceptable in South Australia. Make sure your lifejacket meets AS 4758.
Find out more about looking after your lifejacket.
Gear up
Carry suitable safety equipment.
Equip yourself with the essentials. Is your safety gear up to date and onboard?
To keep everyone safe on the water, cross-check your gear with our safety equipment checker tool.
Can you find your boating safety gear in 30 seconds? Grab your flares, make a radio call and put on a lifejacket in 30 seconds.
To learn more, watch know your safety gear - 30 second challenge.
Safety gear is only helpful if accessible in an emergency.
Stay safe
Don’t risk it. Stay up to date with the correct speed limits:
- 4 knots max within 50 metres of another person in the water
- 4 knots max within 30 metres of another boat in the water.
Cool your jetsRide safe on your personal watercraft. Have fun, but ride safe and observe speed limits. 4 knots max within 50 metres of:
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