Safety the key for a great long weekend on the water

NSW Maritime is forecasting a huge weekend on waterways across the state, as showers ease and temperatures climb - with those heading out to embrace the Australia Day long weekend being reminded to put safety first.

NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said skippers need to be safe and respectful of others and that alcohol and boating do not mix, especially in big crowds.

“It’s set to be a cracker out on the water, with conditions clearing after a couple of wet and wild weekends - and thousands of people keen to catch up for a last hurrah before the end of school holidays,” Mr Hutchings said.

“Tragically, the last three Australia Day long weekends have seen nearly 50 incidents resulting in three deaths and 11 people seriously injured on NSW waterways.

“Big crowds mean there’s a need to be extra vigilant, act responsibly, stay below the alcohol limit, and keep an eye out for each other so that everyone gets home safely.

“Our officers are seeing a concerning number of incidents with people in groups - particularly on jetskis or in tinnies where they’ve collided with another vessel while they’re out socialising.

"Look out for each other – keep an eye out for swimmers, paddlers, everyone else on the water and be respectful of how your good time might be impacting on them.”

Since the boating season commenced on 1 October, there have been 144 incidents on NSW waterways, of these 70 per cent of those occurred in Sydney waterways and 15 per cent involved collisions.

NSW Maritime have conducted nearly 20,000 vessel safety checks since the start of the season resulting in around 3,600 offences – nearly a quarter of those (830), were for lifejacket offences. The key messages for recreational boaters this weekend is to always wear a lifejacket, slow down while on waterways and maintain good communication with somebody onshore while you’re on the water.

Mr Hutchings warned it will be busy at boat ramps and on the water so boaters should pack their patience as well as their safety equipment and double check their lifejackets.

“We don’t want anyone getting in trouble and becoming lost in the crowd - remember to tell someone where you’re heading out, when you’re expected back, and check-in during your trip,” Mr Hutchings said.

“We want everyone to know their limits, plan, prepare and predict what could happen on the water each time before you head out, and always wear a lifejacket.

“Our officers are still seeing far too many people out there without the right type or number of lifejackets. They’re simple and effective – we saw one save a man’s life last weekend when his boat capsized at Kogarah Bay – but it can only save you if you’re wearing it.

“Australia Day weekend is also a time we see a lot of the novelty inflatables popping up – an inflatable thong or flamingo is not what you want to be relying on for a busy harbour like Sydney, or anywhere with a strong current – so I’d remind people to pick their craft wisely for where they’re heading out,” Mr Hutchings said.

“Anyone wanting to watch fireworks from a paddlecraft like a kayak needs to remember to have lights and turn them on – if boats can’t see you they can’t avoid you.”

Sydney Harbour will be a hive of activity on 26 January, with NSW Maritime implementing exclusion zones and waterway restrictions for the annual Ferrython, Maritime Mayhem, Australia Day Regatta, Harbourside Parade and Tall Ships Race to ensure the safety of event participants and spectators. Boaters will also have a prime vantage point for the spectacular happening above the harbour, which includes the Air Force Roulettes Flying Display and 21 Gun Salute, as well as the Australia Day Live event in Circular Quay.

There are recommended vantage points around the exclusion zones for this year’s festivities, which means boaters are encouraged to get in early to find a good spot before the exclusion zone comes into effect.

For more information on boating rules, exclusion zones and other key information visit NSW Maritime’s Sydney Harbour Australia Day 2025 website and the official Australia Day website. More information on lifejackets and safety advice is available here.