Boaties told "cool your jets"

Boaties are being urged to ‘cool your jets’ this spring as additional patrols roll out across Queensland’s waterways.

The six-month compliance campaign by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) will tackle concerns over unsafe behaviour.

Data shows 28 per cent of personal watercraft (PWC) and more than eight per cent of motorboats intercepted between 2022 and 2025 were caught speeding.

MSQ General Manager Kell Dillon said urged boaties to slow down, keep a proper lookout and ensure you and your passengers comply with lifejacket rules.

“With our waterways at their busiest during the holidays, there is no room for complacency,” Mr Dillon said.

“Skippers and personal watercraft riders must take safety seriously to avoid tragic outcomes.”

MSQ’s Maritime Enforcement Team will be out in force as it begins a the six-month campaign asking PWC operators in particular to ‘cool your jets.’

They will be reminding PWC riders there is a speed limit of six knots when within 60 metres of people in the water, shorelines, pontoons, and anchored vessels.

Region-specific statistics revealed more speeding among PWC riders in South-East Queensland than statewide figures.

On the Gold Coast, nearly 40 per cent of intercepted PWC riders were caught exceeding speed limits, compared with the statewide average of 28 per cent.

The Sunshine Coast region also recorded higher rates of speeding among PWCs.

“Too often we are seeing jet skis and tinnies weaving through busy waterways at high speed, putting families, children, paddlers and other boaties at risk,” Mr Dillon said.

“This kind of behaviour is dangerous, deliberate and unacceptable. If you put others at risk, expect an on-the-spot fine.

“We’re urging all skippers to cool your jets, slow down, and respect speed limits. Let’s keep Queensland’s waterways safe for everyone.”

Fines for speeding start at $333. Marine officers will also be out on the waterways ensuring people are carrying and wearing lifejackets as required by legislation.

In December 2024, MSQ introduced new laws requiring lifejackets to be worn in certain high-risk situations.

“The new laws save lives,” Mr Dillon said. “It’s important that every skipper brushes up on the lifejacket laws and complies.”

Further information is on Maritime Safety Queensland’s website: www.msq.qld.gov.au/