Qld boaties have been fined more than $10k for violating COVID-19 rules

Water Police will be out in force this Easter long weekend to enforce COVID-19 restrictions after already handing out more than $10,000 in fines.

More than $10,000 in fines have been handed out to boaties around Queensland for violating COVID-19 restrictions, prompting a strong presence from Water Police this Easter long weekend.

The four-day weekend is usually one of the busiest times of the year around the state with boaties flooding the waters for recreational purposes.

But that is expected to change after the Queensland Government banned boating during the coronavirus pandemic, except for people who are fishing for food and only two people allowed on a boat.

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However, a Queensland Police Service spokesman said Water Police have committed significant resources to patrolling the waters this Easter.

“It is hoped that everyone will adhere to the directives of the Chief Health Officer and stay home unless it is necessary to be out on the water,” the spokesman said.

Queensland Water Police will be out in force over the Easter weekend.

“Most people are doing the right thing however eight people on the water have been issued fines in relation to the Home Confinement, Movement and Gathering Direction issued by the Chief Health Officer.

“On the spot fines of $1334 for individuals and $6,672 for corporations, which fail to abide by the health directions can be issued.”

While police have issued a strong warning, the people responsible for rescuing boaties in distress have still had to save more than 12 vessels, who were not following the instructions during the outbreak.

“So far, since this COVID-19 outbreak started, (the) Coast Guard has noted less boat traffic on the bay but boats are still ignoring the restrictions and going out for non-essential purposes with more than two people aboard,” Harvey Shore, from the Brisbane Coast Guard Manly Flotilla, said.

“As usual, some of these boats break down.

Brisbane Coast Guard Coxswain Harvey Shore. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

“We’re hoping to see less of that behaviour over Easter, but we’re prepared to assist as usual in case it continues.”

Fishing expert Spero Kartanos also warned boaties who were thinking of going out for a fish over the long weekend, not only because of the restrictions but because of the conditions forecasted on the water.

“I can’t see that many boats out on the water as the weather predictions are terrible, apart from Good Friday, the rest of the four-day break looks bleak,” he said.

“There hasn’t been a lot of boats out compared to normal years of school holidays.”

Originally published as Qld boaties have been fined more than $10k for violating COVID-19 rules