The state government is moving to both simplify and expand lifejacket requirements on NSW waterways as we come into another summer season, as part of the draft Maritime Safety Plan 2026.
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Minister for Transport and Roads, and Bega MP, Andrew Constance, said more than seven out of 10 people presumed drowned in recreational boating incidents in the past decade were not wearing a lifejacket.
"Lifejackets are without a doubt the most important piece of safety equipment for survival in boating incidents where people are forced into the water," he said.
"We want to hear from NSW boaters on the two new lifejacket options that have been developed, because we need to make the law easier for people to understand and save more lives on our waterways.
"The draft Maritime Safety Plan 2026 will outline the NSW Government's plans for maritime safety over the next five years, and support our goal of zero boating fatalities and serious injuries by 2056."
The government is now looking for community feedback on two options that would apply to all vessels less than six metres.
The first option would require mandatory wearing of lifejackets by adults on vessels less than six metres when underway, and at all times for vessels less than six metres when boating alone, on alpine waters or between sunset and sunrise.
The second option would require the mandatory wearing of lifejackets by adults on vessels less than six metres in enclosed waters when underway, on all vessels in open waters in the open area of the vessel when underway, and at all times when boating alone, on alpine waters or between sunset and sunrise.
Children under the age of 12 would be required to wear a lifejacket at all times on a vessel less than six metres, and in the open areas of a vessel greater than six metres that is underway.
Bernard Carlon, the chief of the Centre for Maritime Safety, said the draft plans builds on the achievements of the previous Maritime Safety Plan 2021, and incorporates an approach that focuses on safe people, safe vessels, and safe waterways.
"Each year, more than two million people explore our beautiful NSW waterways by boat and other watercraft, and we want to ensure they can continue to enjoy this popular activity in the safest possible way," he said.
"The proposed changes to lifejacket rules are designed to be simpler and easier to understand for NSW boaters, with the goal of driving increased wearing of lifejackets to save lives.
"Both options being proposed will save lives on NSW waterways and support our ultimate goal - to get to zero fatalities on NSW waterways by 2056."
Feedback on the draft Maritime Safety Plan 2026 is open until September 24 at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/maritime-safety.
Joel Erickson
Contact me at j.erickson@austcommunity.com.au or 0447 796 748.
Contact me at j.erickson@austcommunity.com.au or 0447 796 748.
