Easter Alert on new Life Jacket Rules - QLD

by Ian Ward on 25 Mar 2006 Queensland boat owners going on the water for the Easter holidays need to be aware of new rules for lifejackets.

The Boating Industry Association of Queensland said boat owners could be caught out by the new Queensland Government rules which will come into force on April 1.

BIAQ General Manager, Barry Hibberd, warned owners they would face a $150 fine if they did not comply with the rules, which are aimed mainly at saving the lives of children.

Mr Hibberd welcomed the changes, saying they were timely and could save lives during the Easter break - one of the busiest periods on the boating calendar.

'As from April 1, open boats under 4.8 metres long, which are required to carry life jackets, must ensure that all children under 12 on board actually wear an appropriate life jacket when the boat is underway,' Mr Hibberd said.

'As well, everyone on board boats crossing designated bars must wear the appropriate life jackets.

'It’s already law for boaties to have enough life jackets for everyone on board and these new rules simply make it compulsory for people to wear them at certain times.'

The coastal bars that have been designated for compulsory wearing of life jackets are: Currumbin Bar, Tallebudgera Bar, Jumpinpin Bar, South Passage Bar, Caloundra Bar, Maroochy Bar, Noosa Bar and Wide Bay Bar.