Qld boaters continue to put their lives at risk by not wearing life jackets
Queensland waters are proving perilous for boaters not wearing a life jacket, a new report finds, after the deadliest year in decades.
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Life jackets continue to be a matter of life or death, with a new report detailing Queensland has suffered its worst year in decades in terms of lives lost on the state’s waters.
Queensland recorded an alarming increase in recreational boating deaths in 2019, sparking calls for an increased focus on water safety.
Eighteen people died in Queensland waters in marine incidents in 2019. Of the 14 who drowned or went missing, only one was known to be wearing a life jacket.
Of the 113 people who have drowned in marine incidents in the state over the past 20 years, five are known to have been wearing a life jacket.
In that time, Maritime Safety Queensland received 332 marine incident reports involving 412 state-registered recreational vessels and 31 Queensland registered commercial vessels. A total of 109 people were injured and 37 admitted to hospital.
Most incidents were collisions between ships and objects, groundings and capsizes.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the 2019 Marine Incident Report marked a grim milestone for the state.
“One particularly tragic event saw a group of five family members and friends lost at sea in the Torres Strait,” he said.
“The number of reported marine incidents and hospitalisations last year was slightly down on the previous year, but sadly, there were four serious incidents that claimed multiple lives.
“Human factors were the significant contributor to most of these incidents which frequently happened on smooth water with good visibility in clear weather.”
Mr Bailey said the water safety message hadn’t changed in decades.
“Boat operators need to keep a proper lookout at all times and always travel at a safe speed,” he said.
“Most importantly, they must have enough life jackets on-board for everyone and make sure everyone knows how to use them.”
Maritime Safety Queensland has stepped up efforts to check safety equipment on-board and monitor the unlicensed operation of vessels.
“Late last year, MSQ established the Marine Enforcement Team to carry out on-water education and compliance operations,” general manager Angus Mitchell said.
“Along with Queensland Police, Boating and Fisheries Patrol, and Parks and Wildlife, they’ve conducted joint campaigns, including on the busy Easter long weekend.
“These campaigns have intercepted hundreds of boat users in targeted operations, with the aim of raising awareness of boating rules, which may differ from state to state, and generally reminding people of their responsibilities on the water.”
Originally published as Qld boaters continue to put their lives at risk by not wearing life jackets