Operation Tow Safe
Safety Officers to ensure safe towing in NSWRoads and Maritime Services (RMS) Acting General Manager Maritime Operations Trevor Williams has announced RMS is conducting a campaign to ensure compliance with towing activities on NSW waterways.
"The campaign involves RMS Boating Safety Officers (BSO) conducting random checks of vessels to ensure the boating community is properly informed about towing requirements and the dangers of propeller strike," Mr Williams said.
"Those involved in towing sports like water-skiing and wakeboarding need to know of the risks associated with boat propellers," he added.
Since November 2011 there have been nine towing related incidents in NSW resulting in one fatality, seven serious injuries and one minor injury. There have also been five propeller-strike incidents resulting in one fatality and four serious injuries.
"Vessel operators also need to remember it is against the law to tow between sunset and sunrise," said Mr Williams.
BSOs will also be ensuring compliance with lifejacket, licence and safety equipment requirements. Those being towed must wear a lifejacket at all times and it is illegal to tow more than three people at a time.
"The bottom line is skippers are responsible for the safety of their boat, all on board and the people being towed," Mr Williams said.
The campaign continues until Friday 25 January.
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
