Queensland boat operators continue to ignore lifejacket rules

According to new data sourced by Maritime Safety Queensland from a school holiday blitz on lifejacket compliance, 20% of boat operators are ignoring lifejacket rules. 

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey notes "It is truly shocking that 20% of the boats inspected this summer either didn't have properly working lifejackets, didn't have enough for everyone on board, or didn’t have the right lifejackets for children.

"I find it really disturbing that some boaties aren't exercising every precaution when it comes to their children, who are most vulnerable when things go wrong.

"I can't over-emphasize how important it is to follow the lifejacket rules every time you go out on the water."

"Lifejackets are the seatbelts of the sea and if they're not on, they can't save you.

"Of 259 people who drowned after boating incidents in Queensland between 1992 and 2020, only 15 were known to be wearing lifejackets."

Minister Bailey said not wearing, carrying, or having easy access to lifejackets was one of the top fatal five risks for recreational boating which also included failure to keep a proper lookout, speeding, alcohol, and drugs use and poor trip planning.

Minister Bailey said Maritime Safety Queensland would be again patrolling on Australia Day, which was often the busiest boating day of the year.

"If you're going boating this Australia Day, make sure you have enough properly fitting, fully serviced lifejackets on board and everyone can get to them in a hurry,” he said.

“Drinking alcohol and being under the influence of drugs reduces your ability to boat safely so remember, don’t drink and drive.”

Lifejacket rules can be found on the MSQ website