Lifejackets are the single most important piece of safety equipment on recreational vessels, according to Water Safety NSW.
It is a legal requirement that most recreational vessels across Australia carry an approved, appropriately sized lifejacket for each person on board.
Lifejacket must be worn in situations of heightened risk such as:
- Crossing a coastal bar.
- When riding a personal watercraft.
- Underway in a boat less than 4.8m in length when the operator is alone, alone, offshore, at night or on alpine waters.
- If a person is under 12 years of age.
If not required to be worn, they must be stored or placed to allow quick and easy access, and must be either visible to passengers or their location clearly marked.
They must also be in good condition and have no visible signs of wear and tear.
In many states it is the law to service your inflatable lifejacket once a year or in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
With a wide range of styles and colours available, there's a lifejacket to suit everyone's size and shape so you are able to choose the lifejacket that suits you and your needs.
Penalties apply to the owners and skippers of vessels found not carrying lifejackets, or if there are not enough lifejackets for everyone on board.
Penalties also apply if occupants are not wearing lifejackets when they are required to do so or their inflatable lifejackets aren't serviced.
Also, when out on the water at night, every type of craft on the water needs lights in order to be seen.
Whether you’re paddling, rowing, sailing or motoring, everyone needs to be able to recognise where you are and what you’re doing.
