New boating safety campaigns

NSW Police recently joined representatives from Roads and Maritime Services, Marine Rescue NSW, Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter and Surf Life Saving NSW to launched a new concerted marine safety campaign and make education a priority while the 2016 boating, swimming, fishing, diving and surfing season gets into top gear.

When the 2016 boating season officially kicked off on October 1,  police officers from Marine Area Command as well as Roads and Maritime Boating Safety Officers increased their patrols of the waterways to ensure the community enjoys their on-water activities safely. As things hot up, these patrols will only become more frequent.

Marine Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings, said police are prioritising safety this boating season and they will continue to target dangerous or anti-social activity across the state to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the waterways.

"Representatives from all agencies have presented a united front to remind all those who may be boating, fishing or enjoying a day at the beach as summer approaches, to please do so safely," Det Supt Hutchings said.

"Police will be out and about throughout the season to enforce maritime laws, conduct safety checks on vessels, inspect size and bag limits of fish and check boat licences.

"In addition, police are focused on jet ski riders to ensure they’re enjoying the sport safely. We’ve had reports of dangerous riding and near collisions in the past and we will not tolerate those who engage in risky behaviour that jeopardises the safety of others," Det Supt Hutchings said.

Sadly, one person was killed and two others were injured from a boat and jet ski collision last Friday (October 7, 2016) on the Nerong Inlet at Nerong, south of Forster on the NSW mid North Coast.

Marine Area Command officers will also be doing random breath tests while conducting high-visibility patrols of the waterways.

"The same drink-driving laws apply on the water as on land — the legal limit is 0.05 — but of course it is better not to drink if you’re getting behind the wheel," Det Supt Hutchings said.

"During our most recent compliance operation for the long weekend, we were pleased to see most people doing the right thing. However, there were some who had failed to carry out simply safety checks and we also intercepted a boater over the legal blood alcohol limit.

"Skippers are reminded that they are responsible for the safety of everyone on board their vessel and the most important piece of safety equipment you have on board is a lifejacket. I urge everyone to ensure you’re wearing yours before heading out onto the water this season – it could very well save your life."

Roads and Maritime Services is hosting six Boating Safety Days across NSW in conjunction with Gone Fishing NSW Day this Sunday October 16.

Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey urged boaters to conduct maintenance checks on their vessels before heading out onto the water this summer.

"We encourage boaters to ‘Log On’ with Marine Rescue NSW when heading out by radioing your nearest MRNSW base or using the MarineRescue mobile application to advise when you’re leaving, where you’re heading, how many people are on board and when you expect to return.

"This free service gives you the peace of mind of knowing someone responsible is looking out for you so you can get on with enjoying your day," Mr Storey said.

NSW Lifesaving Manager, Andy Kent, said he’s looking forward to another productive year working closely with other emergency services.

"Generally we respond to incidents that occur at river mouths and dangerous bar crossings close to shore. As always our assets are available as interagency cooperation is something we strongly believe in, to ensure the safety of the community."

"There were 53 coastal drowning incidents in NSW in 2015/16, which is simply unacceptable. We want everyone to be able to enjoy their time at the beach and on the water safely."

For more information and boating safety tips, see www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime.