Please select your home edition
Edition
Sea Sure 2025

Boating safety for NYE celebrations around NSW

by NSW Government Media on 31 Dec 2009
NSW State Government http://www.nsw.gov.au/
Ports and Waterways Minister Paul McLeay has urged skippers to put safety first as they prepare to take to waterways around NSW to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

“With bumper crowds again expected to see in the New Year, it is important skippers observe basic boating safety safety regulations and keep an eye out for other craft,” Mr McLeay said.

“Hundreds of boats will be heading out to get a waterside view of fireworks displays at locations throughout the state, so I urge skippers to be patient and find their vantage points early, preferably before sunset.” Mr McLeay said fireworks displays are scheduled to take place on waterways across the State including:


• Botany Bay
• The Broadwater, Brisbane Water
• The Entrance, Tuggerah Lakes
• Jack Evans Boat Harbour, Tweed Heads
• Jervis Bay
• Lake Macquarie: Swansea Channel, Warners Bay and Wangi Wangi
• Manning River, Harrington
• Manning River, Taree
• Nelson Bay, Port Stephens
• Newcastle Harbour
• Sydney Harbour
• Ulladulla Harbour

“Many of these New Year’s Eve fireworks displays will have special navigation restrictions and zones in which boaters will be excluded from operating for safety reasons,” Mr McLeay said.

“When so many boats are moving about, it is essential for all skippers to observe boating safety guidelines such as keeping a proper lookout and maintaining a safe speed.

'Skippers should plan ahead, make sure all their safety gear is on board, navigation lights are working and turned on and stay clear of exclusion zones at all times.”

Mr McLeay said skippers should stay under the 0.05 blood alcohol limit or face heavy fines and loss of licence, and warned lighting checks and random breath testing will be carried out throughout the night. 'Boaters are also reminded not to set off flares on the water - it is illegal and dangerous.

“Anyone who maliciously sets off a flare can face an on the spot fine of $500 or a fine of up to $5500 through the courts for a serious offence.” Detailed advice for skippers planning a trip out on the water this New Year’s Eve can be found under Marine Notices at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au.
U-DECK 2023 - No.4 728x90 BOTTOMBoatseekr_LeaderBoard_122 - BOTTOMArmstrong 728x90 - Wing FG Board Range - BOTTOM

Related Articles

How to follow RORC Centenary Rolex Fastnet Race
At present 451 yachts are entered, which, if all start on Saturday, will break the previous record. This year's centennial edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race will set sail this Saturday, 26 July from the Royal Yacht Squadron line off Cowes, Isle of Wight, bound for Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France.
Posted today at 10:30 am
WASZP Games 2025 Day 3
When racing got under way, it was a game of patience, persistence, and pressure-hunting Day 3 of the WASZP Games dawned with cautious optimism as the early risers in the boat park were greeted by a light but promising northerly breeze. However, an approaching front caused the race committee to call a three-hour postponement.
Posted today at 8:23 am
Admiral's Cup Paul Wyeth Wednesday Photo Gallery
The wind was lighter, the conditions were overcast, but Paul still makes the action come alive The wind was lighter, the conditions were overcast, but Paul Wyeth still makes the action come alive with his photos. Here's his gallery from the racing on Wednesday in the 2025 Admiral's Cup.
Posted today at 5:26 am
Admiral's Cup PKC Media Wednesday Photo Gallery
Out on the water on Wednesday to capture the lighter wind action Patrick Condy of PKC Media was out on the water on Wednesday to capture the lighter wind action in the 2025 Admiral's Cup. Here are his selection of photos from the racing!
Posted today at 5:06 am
Admiral's Cup Ingrid Abery Wednesday Gallery
Up close and personal with the teams on a lighter wind day Thanks to her long lens and skill, Ingrid Abery got up close and personal with the Admiral's Cup teams on a lighter wind day in the Solent. Enjoy these crew photos, and many more in the gallery above!
Posted today at 4:46 am
America's Cup: Italy's five boat Challenge
‘Il Moro di Venezia', a five-boat programme left no stone unturned The transition from colourful and applauded challenges of 1983 and 1987, to Challengers for the XXVIII America's Cup in San Diego, was a pivotal moment in the history of Italy in the competition.
Posted on 23 Jul
Admirals Cup: Leader board changes - Day 3
The wind and the leaderboard did the big switcheroo on the third day of racing in the Admirals' Cup The wind and the leaderboard did the big switcheroo on the third day of racing in the 2025 Admirals Cup, but otherwise the rich got richer on the regatta leaderboard.
Posted on 23 Jul
Rolex Fastnet Race: Upwind to the Fastnet Rock
The long range forecast for this year's race shows more benign conditions Teams that competed in the last two Rolex Fastnet Races and are returning for this Saturday's special centenary edition will be breathing a sigh of relief looking at the long term forecast.
Posted on 23 Jul
Admiral's Cup Inshore Racing Day 2
Beau Geste and Nola rise in shifty Solent showdown Race Four of the Admiral's Cup brought a tactical masterclass in light airs to the Central Solent. PRO Stuart Childerley set a windward leeward course for both classes, 1.6nm for AC1 and a shorter 1.4nm for AC2.
Posted on 23 Jul
NYYC International Women's Championship update
The final group of five invited skippers is announced The final group of skippers to be announced for the 2026 New York Yacht Club International Women's Championship radiates enthusiasm for this groundbreaking opportunity in one of the world's most famous sailing cities.
Posted on 23 Jul