The Queensland Government is reminding boaties and personal watercraft riders to ‘cool your jets’ and make safe choices on the water this spring, with a focus on speed, lifejacket rules and looking out for other waterway users.
The spring compliance campaign will target unsafe behaviour after recent Easter compliance activity identified speeding and lifejacket non-compliance as the biggest issues on the water.
From the Torres Strait to Coolangatta, Maritime Safety Queensland officers will provide education and conduct compliance checks to help keep Queensland waterways safe during the busy spring and summer period.
There will also be targeted patrols in South East Queensland, including on the Nerang and Noosa Rivers, following a significant number of community complaints about personal watercraft hooning and anti-social behaviour.
Boaties and personal watercraft riders are also being reminded not to let good weather create false confidence on Queensland waterways this spring.
The recently released 2025 Marine Incidents in Queensland report shows more than 70 per cent of incidents occur in good weather, smooth waters and close to land, reinforcing the need for waterway users to stay alert even when conditions appear safe.
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said the message to waterway users was simple: slow down, keep a proper lookout and make sure everyone on board follows lifejacket rules.
“Whether you are operating a boat, riding a personal watercraft or using any other watercraft, you need to know the rules before heading out,” Mr Dillon said.
“Speeding and not wearing lifejackets were the biggest issues identified during recent compliance activity, and both can have serious consequences on busy waterways.
“With more people expected on the water during spring and summer, safety starts before you leave the ramp and continues for every moment you are on the water.
“Our message is simple: cool your jets, wear your lifejacket, keep a proper lookout and understand your responsibilities before heading out on Queensland waterways.”
Further information on speed limits, lifejacket laws, and other safety requirements can be found on the Maritime Safety Queensland website: www.msq.qld.gov.au.
