Boaters are reminded safety remains the highest priority across all NSW waterways during Easter with skippers urged to take extra care in the last weekend of the boating season.
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Roads and Maritime Services Director Maritime Angus Mitchell said the Easter long weekend was traditionally a busy time for boating and skippers should ensure they keep to a safe speed, maintain a proper lookout and obey rules around alcohol consumption and lifejacket use.
"During the latest statewide safety education and compliance campaign, Operation Slow Down from March 14 to 22, Roads and Maritime carried out close to 1000 on-water safety checks," Mr Mitchell said.
"Boating Safety Officers carried out 969 on-water vessel safety checks and Boating Education Officers reminded 331 other boaters at waterside locations including boat ramps and clubs and reminded skippers of their repsonsibility to keep to a safe speed for the conditions and to keep a proper lookout.
"During the campaign 49 fines were issued for boating offences, including nine for speeding breaches and 18 warnings for speeding-related offences.
"Where there are no signposted speed limits on a waterway, a vessel must be driven at a speed which is safe and takes into account environmental factors such as local traffic, visibility and conditions."
For more information on boating safety visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime
