Recreational boating returns to NSW under relaxed COVID-19 rules
Revised and relaxed COVID-19 control measures now allow recreational boating in NSWRecreational boating is back in NSW after the State Government announced today that COVID-19 control measures had helped to slow the spread of the pandemic.
The NSW Government Public Health Orders were updated today to ease some of the restrictions across the state, including recreational boating – NSW residents were still able to use a boat or a jet ski as long as it was used for fishing, but were restricted from pleasure cruising.
Under the more relaxed restrictions, all recreational boating is now permitted. However, boaters still need to adhere to the social distancing rules that require a 1.5-metre distance between everyone on the boat who does not live under the same roof “as is reasonably possible”.
“People should continue to boat locally and always remember to practice good personal hygiene,” Transport for NSW said.
The state will also allow its citizens to travel for recreation from June 1, with the caveat that it may still need to reverse the decision if the coronavirus pandemic escalates.
Move welcomed
The Boating Industry Association of Australia, which has lobbied hard for keeping recreational boating on the list of allowable activities throughout the lockdown, welcomed the move.
“Recreational boating in NSW is on the road to recovery”, BIA president Darren Vaux said.
“The State Government today confirmed that members of a household can go out boating in all forms of recreational craft which importantly includes the most popular type of boat … the family runabout.”
Vaux said the more relaxed measures meant a typical family household could go out on the water together, while others could go out if they maintained physical distance.
“The Boating Industry Association welcomes this news for the boating public, businesses and jobs while maintaining a conservative approach to the protection of public health and safety,” he said.
“It has been proven that recreational boating in all its forms is good for both mental and physical health and is a low-risk activity that can be enjoyed whilst adhering to physical distancing and hygiene rules.
“With more than 20 per cent of all Australians engaging in some form of boating activity annually, getting out on the water is a way of life for many Australians and an important part of the social, physical, mental and economic recovery from COVID-19.”
NSW’s move meant recreational boating was now permissible under physical distancing criteria in states and territories across Australia, Vaux said.
“Reactivating boating will also start to repair the boating industry, which is closely aligned to tourism and discretionary spending, and is hurting with staff layoffs and business closures as a result of the pandemic,” he said.
The BIA also reminded boaters to practice safe and responsible boating:
- Ensure weather and sea conditions are suitable
- Ensure boats and equipment are suitable and safety gear is complete and in-date
- Tell someone where you are going and your estimated time of return
- Wear a lifejacket, especially for children, those aged 60 years and over, or if going out alone
- Be COVID-19 safe and follow physical distancing, gathering and hygiene advice
Under the more relaxed boating restrictions, commercial and charter vessels may operate but must ensure they are operating with the restrictions associated with their category of business and the required social distancing requirements.
The BIA said it would continue to support governments with disease control measures, including the need for workplace hygiene measures.
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