New lifejacket regulations came into effect across the state on Sunday 1 December, 2024 as part of the Queensland Government’s initiative to increase maritime safety.
Although enforcement of these new laws will be delayed until 1 July 2025, the Queensland Government advises boaters to understand and abide by these changes to stay safe and compliant on the water.
“We will be focusing on education, with enforcement delayed until 1 July 2025, to ensure all boaties are aware of the change,” said a Maritime Safety Queensland spokesperson.
In the interest of increasing water safety, the new regulations will make wearing a lifejacket mandatory in the following circumstances:
• Boating alone, or only with children under 12 years on an open boat less than 4.8m in length whilst underway.
• Crossing designated coastal bars on an open ship, and on an open area of a boat of any length, and on certain craft.
• Children one year or more and under 12 years are on an open boat or an open area of a boat of any length whilst underway.
• Nighttime boating, between sunset and sunrise on any open boat less than 4.8m in length whilst underway.
The rules apply to a plethora of boats and crafts (excluding body boards, and stand-up paddle boards), like small sailboats, pedal boats, rafts (including inflatables), rowboats (except Club Surfboards by Surf Life Saving Australia), and sea kayaks.
The legislative change hopes to bring Queensland in line with the safety standards observed in other states, with the Queensland Government stating the change hopes to ensure you, your passengers and your loved ones get home safely.
Within the last 5 years, there were 64 boating fatalities in Queensland, and only 5 were known to be wearing their lifejacket at the time of the incident. Studies have concluded time and time again that children, and those boating alone, at night or crossing coastal bars are at the highest risk of drowning at sea.
To access up to date and relevant information on legislative changes and maritime safety, please visit www.msq.qld.gov.au.
New lifejacket laws came into effect across Queensland on 1 December 2024.
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