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Go Easy on Alcohol Boating Campaign for November
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Acting General Manager Maritime Operations Trevor Williams today announced a state wide boating safety campaign to raise awareness of the effects of alcohol when on the water.
“The campaign starts tomorrow and will continue for the month of November to remind boaters about blood alcohol limits, lifejacket laws and safe boating practices,” Mr Williams said
“Sun, wind and waves can multiply the effects of alcohol.
“Everyone on board needs to take care as studies have shown boat passengers are just as likely as operators to be involved in accidents such as capsizing the vessel or falling overboard as a result of drinking alcohol.
In the past 10 years 62 per cent of fatalities have been attributed to drowning and more than 93 per cent of drowning victims were not wearing lifejackets.
“The blood alcohol limit on the water is the same as on the roads - 0.05 per cent.
“Random breath testing is carried out on the water in NSW and applies to the operator of the boat.
“During the campaign, Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) boating officers will be joining with water and land based police to carry out random breath testing in waterways throughout NSW.
“Checks will also be made to ensure there are an appropriate number of lifejackets on board or being worn by those on board, depending on the type of vessel, size, location and time of day.
“Anyone who needs to brush up on their knowledge of lifejacket laws in NSW should go to www.lifejacketwearit.com.au,” Mr Williams said.
Contact Roads and Maritime Services Media Unit: 8588 5999