Regulator puts heat on boaters

Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) is cautioning boaters to slow down and follow the rules when heading out over the Australia Day long weekend.

This warning comes as TSV incident data reveals that there have been four boating collisions since December 1, 2013, which have resulted in two serious injuries and a fatality. A 12-year-old girl died in hospital after a boat she was travelling in was struck by another vessel at Lake Eppalock in northern Victoria on January 10.

TSV spokesperson Paul Corkill said that all boaters have a responsibility to make safety a high priority for the benefit of all waterway users.

"The recent fatality on Lake Eppalock is a sombre reminder to all boaters that tragedy can happen on the water and that they must take care around other waterway users.

"Speed and distance are often key contributing factors in boating collisions, many of which result in serious injuries and, in some circumstances, death.

"It is the obligation of every boat operator to reduce the risk of collision by following the speed and distance rules at all times.

"Regardless of where you are boating, you must stick to the speed limit of five knots when within 50 metres of a swimmer or another vessel.

"If you are boating on inland waters, you must observe a five knot limit within 50 metres of the water's edge.

"On coastal and enclosed waters, like Port Phillip Bay and the Gippsland Lakes, a five knot speed limit applies to all vessels within 200 metres of the water's edge."

"You must also keep a proper lookout for other waterway users,” Mr Corkill said.

Over the coming weeks, TSV will continue to have a strong compliance presence on the water.

"There is a zero tolerance approach with boaters who flout speed and distance rules. TSV Maritime Safety Officers will be enforcing the rules and cracking down on boaters who do the wrong thing," Mr Corkill said.

For more information, visit the TSV website at www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au