Personal watercraft riders are being urged to exercise caution after the Queensland Government recorded widespread speeding, lifejacket breaches, and other unsafe behaviour during its largest spring boat safety campaign.
Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) officers completed a record 1,160 intercepts statewide with compliance rates for personal watercraft at just 34 per cent, compared with over 50 per cent for other vessels.
The campaign ran over two weeks, and resulted in 289 formal enforcement actions, which was made up of 129 infringement notices and 160 cautions.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads’ statewide campaign targeted high-risk waterways, including a joint Nerang River operation with Gold Coast Water Police over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Officers conducted 52 intercepts around Chevron Island and Budds Beach and took 21 enforcement actions for speeding, unsafe manoeuvres, freestyling, distance-off breaches, and other offences.
MSQ General Manager Kell Dillon said too many riders were putting themselves and others at risk.
“Queensland’s waterways are for everyone, but every skipper and personal watercraft rider must operate safely and responsibly,” Mr Dillon said. “The message is simple: cool your jets. Slow down, wear the right lifejacket and give others space to enjoy the water safely.”
Mr Dillon added that MSQ uses community reports, compliance data, targeted drone surveillance, and local intelligence to focus patrols where unsafe behaviour poses the greatest risk.
