Marine Safety SA September 2023 Newsletter
- National safe boating week
- New Marine Safety SA Facebook page launches
- Riverland and Yorke Peninsula field days
- Navigate safely under the Paringa Bridge
- Kayaking at reservoirs
You can subscribe to receive the Marine Safety SA eNewsletter monthly here.
National safe boating week
Saturday marks the start of National Safe Boating Week (NSBW) – a week dedicated to raising awareness of safe boating behaviours across Australia.
NSBW signifies the official start of the peak boating season in South Australia, which will run from October 2023 through to April 2024.
Whether you are heading out to sea or enjoying South Australia’s inland waters, NSBW is an important reminder to boaters to always put safety first by carrying the correct safety gear.
Marine Safety Officers from the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (the Department) will be out during NSBW reminding boaters to check they have all their safety gear on board. Look out for them at boat ramps and on the water.
During NSBW and throughout the boating season, it’s important to make sure everyone around the water is wearing a serviced and correctly fitting life jacket. Lifejackets are key to keeping everyone safe and could save a life. .
Visit Marine Safety SA to access the lifejacket online checking tool to find out which jacket is right for you and to get all your lifejacket servicing tips.
While a life jacket is key to staying afloat its vital that you have your other safety equipment with you on board to stay safe if you get into trouble. Use the safety equipment checker tool to make sure you have everything you need on board, such as an Electronic Positioning Indicator Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
New Marine Safety SA Facebook page launches
Photo (above): Follow the new Marine Safety SA Facebook page
The Department has launched a dedicated Marine Safety SA Facebook page.
The new page will be the home of all things boating safety in South Australia, including helpful tips and updates on staying safe in and around the water, from our beautiful coastline to our stunning lakes and rivers.
Follow us to stay up to date with all the latest information and helpful tips and please leave a comment on the page to let us know what you would like to see in future posts.
Community engagement
Riverland and Yorke Peninsula field days
Photo (above): Marine Safety and Compliance at the Yorke Peninsula Field Day
Our Marine Safety and Compliance team attend events throughout the year to help raise awareness of boating safety and to share helpful tips with boaters. This month, team visited the Riverland and Yorke Peninsula field days and gave two lucky winners a new lifejacket for subscribing to the Marine Safety SA newsletter.
The team will be heading to the Club Marine SA Boat and Fishing show / Australian 4WD and adventure show which will be held at the Adelaide showgrounds from Friday, 27 to Sunday, 29 October 2023. Come and say hello with your boating safety questions and subscribe to our newsletter for a chance to win a new lifejacket.
Safe operation
Navigate safely under the Paringa Bridge
Photo (above): Our Variable Message board at Renmark reminds users about safely navigating under the Paringa Bridge
Have you seen our variable message board sign at the Big 4 boat ramp at Renmark? The sign includes messaging to remind vessel operators to navigate safely and use the marked navigation channel when operating under the Paringa Bridge.
There have been reports of some near misses with pilons under the bridge and people operating outside of the navigation channel.
Marine Safety Officers undertake regular patrols along the River Murray, however if you see anyone operating unsafely in the area, please submit a Marine Safety Concern.
Kayaking at reservoirs
Photo (above): Kayakers at Myponga Reservoir
Many of South Australia's reservoirs are now open to kayaking and canoeing. Kayaks and canoes are welcome at Happy Valley, South Para, Warren, Myponga and Bundaleer reservoirs, with dedicated launch areas at each site.
If you’re heading out, don't forget to pack your lifejacket. You must wear a lifejacket if kayaking or canoeing.
Pictured above are two happy kayakers who made sure they had their lifejackets on before heading out to enjoy fishing on Myponga Reservoir.
For those wanting to fish while on the reservoir please apply for a fishing permit via SA Water here.