QPS, MSQ & SLSQ's Year‑Round Commitment To Water Safety

Although the Easter long weekend has been and gone for another year, local authorities hope water safety remains at the forefront of Queenslander’s plans no matter the holiday.

Annually, the Queensland Police Service (QPS), Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) ramp up water safety education and enforcement tactics each and every school holiday period, yet between the 1st of January and the 30th of March, over 140 people were caught operating watercraft without a valid licence, and 21 were found on the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In response, the QPS, MSQ and SLSQ teamed up to crack down on risky behaviour across our waterways and beaches with QPS Acting Assistant Commissioner Joe Jaramazovic stating officers increased patrols over Easter to ensure everyone could enjoy the water safely.

“With increased traffic on the waterways, it is critical that everyone remains vigilant in their approach to safety by keeping to speed limits, never operating their watercraft while under the influence and ensuring everyone on board has the correct safety gear,” he explained.

“We are seeing a high number of people on the water operating jet skis without appropriate licences and in these situations, both the operator and the owner of these watercrafts can face significant fines.”

MSQ General Manager Kell Dillon echoed the call for vigilance, highlighting Queensland’s new lifejacket rules that took effect on the 1st of December of 2024.

“While our team will be concentrating on education rather than enforcement of the new rules until 1 July of this year, we want skippers to understand and comply with them now,” Kell urged.

Under the new regulations, every child under 12 must wear a lifejacket in the open area of a moving boat, and lifejackets are compulsory at night, when boating solo, or when crossing coastal bars in an open vessel.

On the beach front, SLSQ Lifesaving Services Manager Natalie Edwards reminded families that patrolled beaches remain the safest spots to swim.

“Please follow the advice of our surf lifesavers and lifeguards if you are visiting a patrolled beach,” Natalie said.

“If you are taking the risk to swim in an un-patrolled location, know your limits, do not enter the surf if you are not a confident swimmer and have a plan to call for help if you need it.”

Safe boating and swimming habits are everyone’s responsibility, so keep your licence current, wear your lifejacket, and respect the rules to ensure our waterways stay fun and accident free all year round.