Don’t wait till it’s TOO LATE, MATE
Once again, this year’s summer boating season will kick off with Safe Boating Week from Monday, 5 October to Sunday, 11 October. This year’s Week is all about the life-saving role of lifejackets and the equipment needed to raise the alarm when things don’t go as planned on the water.
Marine Safety SA is joining in by urging all recreational boaters to think about safety before hitting the waterways – before it’s too late, mate.
Between July 2021 and June 2026, tragically, 21 people drowned while boating in powered and unpowered vessels on South Australian waters.
Properly worn lifejackets and working emergency marine communications equipment are almost always part of a survivor’s story, so boaters are encouraged to take these simple steps for a safer summer boating season:
- Learn which lifejacket is needed using Marine Safety SA’s online tool and wear it every trip.
- Make sure the right emergency marine communications equipment is onboard and everything is working.
- Keep essential boating information at hand by downloading the DECKEE app.
Every safe trip starts before leaving the shoreline. By planning ahead, boaters give themselves the best chance of returning home safely.
Marine Safety SA wishes everyone a great summer on the water and reminds boaters: don’t wait until it’s TOO LATE, MATE.
New lifejacket requirement for recreational crayfishing
From 1 October 2026, everyone on board a recreational vessel must wear a level 100 or higher lifejacket when:
- handling Southern Rock Lobster (crayfish) traps or pots
- lifting or hauling crayfish traps or pots
- carrying crayfish traps or pots onboard a vessel.
The requirement applies to all people on recreational vessels engaged in crayfishing, regardless of vessel length, age, experience or swimming ability.
Recreational vessels include motorised vessels, canoes, kayaks, surf skis, rowboats or other human-powered vessels or aquatic toys.
Crayfishing presents unique safety risks. Handling heavy pots, ropes and equipment, often in changing sea conditions and low-light periods, can increase the risk of a vessel capsizing.
Wearing a level 100 or higher lifejacket is one of the most effective ways to improve a person’s chances of survival if they enter the water unexpectedly.
Domestic commercial vessels and inland waters are exempt from this requirement. It applies to recreational vessels in coastal waters only.
Stay Afloat clinics: bring a lifejacket along and WIN
Getting the boat ready for the season? Marine Safety SA is reminding boaters to think about their lifejackets too.
Boaters can bring their inflatable lifejacket to a Stay Afloat clinic to make sure it is ready and go into the draw to win an automatic inflatable lifejacket valued at up to $250 RRP.
At these free clinics, the Marine Safety SA team will guide boaters through a simple lifejacket inspection checklist so they can learn how to:
- check key components
- identify signs of wear
- ensure their lifejacket is in good working order.
If replacement items such as cylinders, clips or other basic parts are needed and available, the team will help get the lifejacket boating-ready.
The clinics are also a great opportunity to ask questions about lifejacket servicing, emergency communication equipment, Marine Safety SA’s partnership with boating safety app DECKEE and other boating safety rules.
Boaters can find a Stay Afloat clinic near them and read the competition terms and conditions via Marine Safety SA.
Visit Marine Safety SA at the Club Marine SA Boat and Fishing Show
Marine Safety SA will be at the Club Marine SA Boat and Fishing Show from Friday, 23 to Sunday, 25 October 2026, with the team located in the Goyder Pavilion.
WIN A LIFEJACKET
Visitors can go into the draw to win a lifejacket by either:
- subscribing to the Marine Safety SA newsletter
- taking on the Lifejacket Challenge to see if they can correctly put on a lifejacket faster than everyone else.
FREE INFLATABLE LIFEJACKET ADVICE
Visitors can bring their inflatable lifejacket and the Marine Safety SA team will show them how to inspect it using a simple self-check checklist.
The team will help identify any issues, explain servicing requirements and, where available, provide free replacement parts to help get lifejackets boating-ready.
SEE MARINE SAFETY SA IN ACTION
Marine Safety SA will also be on the main fishing stage at midday every day to demonstrate how to self-service an inflatable lifejacket.
The team is looking forward to answering questions, giving advice to those going for their boat licence – and handing out free Marine Safety SA drink bottles and boating safety stickers while stocks last.
Learn more about the SA Boat and Fishing Show
Get boating safety information from local retailers
Over the coming months, Marine Safety SA will be distributing boating safety information packs to participating retailers, boating organisations and clubs across South Australia.
The packs will include posters and other resources featuring QR codes to help boaters:
- find out which lifejacket they need for their boating activity
- check what safety equipment they need to carry
- access information on boating safety requirements
- order Marine Safety SA boating safety stickers.
These resources are designed to help boaters make informed decisions when purchasing lifejackets and other safety equipment.
Boating safety stickers and other resources for individual vessels are also available through Marine Safety SA’s online store.
Riverland Field Days a hit
Marine Safety SA enjoyed talking all things boating safety with more than 400 visitors at the Riverland Field Days in September.
The team answered a wide range of questions about boating on the River Murray, with many visitors seeking advice on lifejacket requirements, safety equipment, boat licensing and safe boating practices.
Two visitors also won an inflatable lifejacket.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for Marine Safety SA to connect with the Riverland boating community, share important safety information and help recreational boaters prepare for a safe season on South Australia’s waterways.
Marine Safety SA thanked everyone who stopped to speak with the team and looks forward to seeing boaters at future events.
For more information, visit marinesafety.sa.gov.au
