Boating safety for NYE celebrations around NSW

by NSW Government Media on 31 Dec 2009 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.