Don’t lock down boating, industry advocate pleads

In a statement released today, BIA president Darren Vaux said Australians needed boating now more than ever due to the stress associated with more than 18 months of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions creating “social isolation and frustration”.

He said boating was a standout choice in terms of activities that did not contribute to the spread of the coronavirus, and out on the water was “the safest place to be”.

“Boating… paddleboards, kayaks, small sailing craft, tinnies, runabouts, fishing boats, yachts, tow-sports and cruisers, large and small,” Vaux said. 

“There is a boat for all ages and all budgets, and boating alone or with your immediate family is the very definition of social distancing. 

“With the implementation of COVIDSafe practices at the beach, the boat ramp or marina, families and friends can get out on the water, engage their Blue Mind and enjoy the magnificent waterways that Australia has to offer.”

Blue Mind refers to a book written by US-based marine biologist Wallace Nicholls that links water to mental health and wellbeing.

One element of the current lockdown in greater Sydney is a restriction that limits boats to a zone within 3.0 nautical miles of the marina or boat ramp. The BIA believes once a boat is on the water, people on it are socially isolated and should be allowed “the freedom to explore and find uncrowded blue spaces”.

According to Vaux, Australians are embracing boating in the wake of the pandemic.

“With [recreational boating] industry turnover up 11.0 per cent and industry employment up 9.0 per cent on last year, the boating industry saw an increase in boat registrations to some 18,500 last year with many first-time boat owners,” he said.

“Over 2.5 million people in Australia now hold a boat licence and 20 per cent of the population go boating each year. 

“People have bought boats to escape the pandemic blues.  The community wants to go boating, and boating must be one of the first activities that provide relief from any current or future lockdowns.”

The statement goes on to say that access to boating should be included in plans for current and future lockdowns, with significant physical, mental and community benefits to be gained, he said.

“With spring upon us and daylight saving just around the corner in many states, it is time for restrictions to be eased and for governments to take the proactive action to encourage people to go boating.”

NSW has mapped its path out of lockdown by mid-October, while Victoria will reassess its COVID-19 restrictions affecting greater Melbourne once the current state of emergency expires on September 23.

Queensland, also grappling with a COVID-19 outbreak but with much lower daily case numbers than both Victoria and NSW, currently has no restrictions on boating in the state.