Waterway blitz highlights slack life jacket use

A/Executive Director, NSW Maritime Alex Barrell said the good news was the vast majority of boaters - about 88 per cent - showed they know, understand and follow the rules which exist to keep everyone safe on NSW waterways.

"The top three types of fines issued were for not carrying the required number of lifejackets, not wearing lifejackets and speeding," Mr Barrell said.

There were 170 cautions issued over the weekend, including 27 for failing to maintain important safety equipment and 22 for operating an unregistered vessel.

Here on the Mid North Coast:

There were 63 inspections, seven official cautions (not carrying a lifejacket, irregular riding on a jet ski and driving an unregistered vessel), one penalty notice (not carrying a lifejacket) and an 87.3 per cent compliance rate, which was a little below that of other regions to the north and south.

NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officers carried out the statewide compliance blitz with a focus on reducing the number of serious incidents on our waterways.

Mr Barrell said while the average number of boating-related fatalities has fallen over the past five years, boating fatalities have actually increased in the year since July 1, 2019.

"While conditions such as bad weather and rough seas have played a part in a number of these fatalities, many of the people who lost their lives on NSW waterways this boating season were either not wearing a lifejacket or weren't keeping a proper lookout.

"Our message to boaters is to have fun but always keep safety top-of-mind when heading out on the water. Always wear a lifejacket, always keep a proper lookout and check the weather before and during the trip. Weather can change quickly and conditions can turn dangerous for boaters.

"Wearing a lifejacket while you're on the water is the best thing you can do to stay safe."

Jobs and businesses are focus of stimulus package

Baby boom for Bellinger River Snapping Turtle