Boaties warned over new laws

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and its partner agencies will start enforcing new lifejacket laws from next week.

From July 1, the laws aim to make boating safer for more than one million Queenslanders with recreational boating licences and their passengers.

Under the laws, which have been in place since December 1 last year, boaties must wear lifejackets in certain high-risk situations.

Lifejackets must be worn at times of greatest risk, such as crossing designated coastal bars, and when boating alone or at night on smaller vessels.

They are also strongly focused on keeping children safe. 

Under new laws lifejackets must be worn when:

• boating alone, (or only with children under 12 years) on an open boat that is less than 4.8 metres in length whilst underway
• crossing a designated coastal bar on an open boat, and on an open area of a boat, of any length
• boating at night, that is between sunset and sunrise, on an open boat that is less than 4.8 metres in length whilst underway
• if you are under 12 years (aged 1 year or more but less than 12 years) in an open boat, or open area of a boat, of any length while underway.

Wearing a lifejacket is also compulsory when crossing a coastal bar on certain craft in the style and risk profile of:

• Small sailing boats (such as lasers, herons)
• Pedal boats
• Rafts, including inflatable rafts
• Rowboats (excluding Surf Life Saving Australia Club Surfboats)
• Sea and surf kayaks.

Since the introduction of the new laws in December 2024, MSQ has focused on educating boaties about the requirements.

However, the grace period will end on Tuesday, July 1, during the winter school holidays. If boaties fail to comply after that date, they may be fined.

Fines for not complying with lifejacket laws start at $333.

Sixty-four people drowned in Queensland boating accidents between 2019 and 2023. Only five were wearing lifejackets.

For more on the right type of life jacket for different activities, visit www.msq.qld.gov.au/Safety/Life-jackets