Boaties urged to be safe this Christmas holidays

Police Minister Judy Spence today urged boaties to behave responsibly this Christmas after an increase in deaths and incidents on Queensland’s waterways in 2006-07.

Ms Spence was joined by Assistant Commissioner David Melville, South Eastern Region, to launch the state’s boat safety campaign ‘Operation Summer Safe’.

“More than four and half thousand skippers received infringement notices in 2006-07.

“There are still too many people on our waterways speeding, drink driving, or not having the required safety equipment.

“Our message is simple: those boaties who do the wrong thing, are putting lives at risk, and face big fines.

“In 2006-07 there were 17 people killed on Queensland’s waterways which is four more than the previous year.

“There were 335 marine incidents compared to 261 the previous year – an increase of 74.

“It’s alarming that of those 335 incidents well over half (60%) occurred in the day with clear weather and good visibility.

“The Summer holidays are a very busy time on our waterways. Marine incidents are common, particularly on weekends.

“There are more than 217,000 boats registered in Queensland, an increase of 4.6%, and nearly 36,000 of those registered on the Gold Coast (16.5 per cent),” Ms Spence said.

In other statistics for 2006-07:

• 23,513 vessels were intercepted by Queensland Water Police (Gold Coast Water Police intercepted 7,097 (30%) of those)
• 14,301 skippers were breath tested
• 94 were fined for being over .05% (up from 93 last year)
• 4,680 skippers received infringement notices for offences including speeding, being unlicensed, failure to carry prescribed safety equipment, and having an unregistered vessel

“Skippers need to be constantly aware of their responsibilities on the water, continually observing maritime regulations and the international regulations for prevention of collisions at sea.

“Boat operators or skippers are responsible for the safe operation of their vessel and the safety of all persons on board.

“Too often a lack of judgement, alcohol and excessive speed are the major contributing factors in boating incidents across the state.

“I would urge all skippers who are planning to go boating this summer, to be mindful of the dangers of speed, alcohol and to maintain a proper look out at all times on our waterways,” Ms Spence said.

Skippers who do the wrong thing face fines of:

·Drink driving $400 to $2000 (depending on reading) and loss of marine licence

·Speeding $150

·Driving unlicensed $375

·Unregistered vessel $150

·Failing to carry prescribed safety equipment $150

18 December 2007

Media contact: 32396218