The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) is beginning work to develop the first ever South Australian Recreational Boating Safety Strategy.

The strategy will guide the decisions and actions of Government over the next five years to create improved marine safety for recreational boaters, ensuring all users can share and enjoy our waterways safely.

 

Why we need a South Australian Recreational Boating Safety Strategy

 In South Australia there is approximately 5,000 km of coastline waters and 700 km of the River Murray plus a range of other rivers, lakes and reservoirs that recreational boaters and other water users enjoy daily including fishing, cruising, paddling and water skiing.

There are over 300,000 boat licence holders and more than 55,000 registered vessels in South Australia. There is also an increasing number of vessels using our waterways that do not require registration such as canoes, kayaks, surf skis, kite boards and paddleboards.

Statistics show there have been 69 people that have lost their lives in drowning related incidents involving boats and watercraft over the last 20 years with 13 of these deaths occurring in the last five years.

 

Your input is important

Gathering feedback from the community, waterway users and marine stakeholders is critical to the development of an effective and robust strategy.

DIT invites feedback about recreational boating safety in South Australia via the online survey found HERE.

This initial consultation closes on 5 January, 2024.