New safety laws now in place for Western Australian water sports 

The Western Australia Government has introduced new safety equipment requirements for sail and kiteboarders, windsurfers and paddlers operating more than 400 metres from shore with the reforms designed to save lives on the water.

The introduction of the second and final stage of the new laws completes the most comprehensive review of safety equipment requirements for recreational vessels and watercraft in WA in 30 years.

Water sport enthusiasts operating more than 400 metres from shore in unprotected waters will need to meet the same safety equipment requirements introduced for tenders and sailing dinghies last September. Some of these include:

• carrying of an appropriate lifejacket for each person;

• wearing a lifejacket for children aged between 1-12 years and when the vessel is less than 4.8 metres;

• carrying a GPS-enabled Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), or wearing a GPS-enabled Personal Locator Beacon (PLB); and,

• carrying flares or an approved electronic signalling device (if a GPS-enabled distress beacon is carried).

On-water incidents in WA claimed 61 lives in the past eight years - three more than the previous 13 years. Over the past ten years the average number of deaths per year increased to 7.1, significantly up on the previous ten-year average of 4.7.

The Department of Transport has launched an education campaign targeting sail and kiteboarders, windsurfers and those who use paddle craft.

Enthusiasts are being told 'It's time to get on board' with an extension of the successful earlier campaign for skippers fronted by former Fremantle Docker and marine biologist David Mundy.

WA Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael noted "The changes maximise technology improvements particularly in regard to marine rescues and ensure lifejackets are always carried and worn when risk is elevated while on the water.

"I encourage all boat owners, sail and kiteboarders, windsurfers and paddlers to 'get on board'as they prepare to spend time on the water in spring and summer and act to comply with the laws to enjoy their activities safely."

For more details about the changes visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/safetyequipment