Crackdown on Gold Coast speeding as safety patrols begin
oaties and jet ski riders urged to slow down and follow new safety rules
What’s happening?
Gold Coast boaties and personal watercraft (PWC) riders are being urged to slow down, keep a proper lookout, and wear lifejackets as the Queensland Government rolls out a six-month compliance campaign to improve safety on the water.
The campaign, led by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), will target unsafe behaviour on Queensland’s waterways, particularly speeding and lifejacket non-compliance.
Why it matters?
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said waterways become busiest during the warmer months, and there is no room for complacency.
“With our waterways at their busiest during the holidays, there is no room for complacency, skippers and personal watercraft riders must take safety seriously to avoid tragic outcomes,” Mr Dillon said.
Maritime enforcement officers will focus on PWC riders, who have been identified as frequent offenders. Dillon reminded riders that there is a speed limit of 6 knots when within 60 metres of people in the water, shorelines, pontoons, and anchored vessels.
By the Numbers:
40% of intercepted PWC riders on the Gold Coast were caught exceeding speed limits, compared with the statewide average of 28%.
$333 is the starting fine for speeding on Queensland waterways.
6 months is the duration of the compliance campaign across Queensland.
December 2024 saw new lifejacket laws introduced for high-risk situations.
Zoom In
Region-specific statistics revealed higher speeding rates among PWC riders in South East Queensland. On the Gold Coast, nearly 40 per cent of intercepted PWC riders were caught exceeding speed limits. The Sunshine Coast region also recorded higher rates compared with statewide figures.
Mr Dillon said the figures were concerning for the state’s maritime regulator. “Too often we are seeing jet skis and tinnies weaving through busy waterways at high speed, putting families, children, paddlers and other boaties at risk,” he said. “This kind of behaviour is dangerous, deliberate and unacceptable. If you put others at risk, expect an on-the-spot fine.”
Zoom Out
Marine officers will also be ensuring that people are carrying and wearing lifejackets as required by law. The new laws introduced in December 2024 require lifejackets to be worn in certain high-risk situations.
“The new laws save lives,” Mr Dillon said. “It’s important that every skipper brushes up on the lifejacket laws and complies.”
Local Impact
Gold Coast waterways remain among the busiest in Queensland, particularly through spring and summer. The additional compliance patrols will reinforce safe practices and highlight the importance of responsible boating behaviour to prevent serious incidents.
What to look for next
Maritime Safety Queensland’s Maritime Enforcement Team will be active across the Gold Coast as part of the six-month campaign, reminding all PWC operators to ‘cool your jets’ and respect speed limits to keep waterways safe for everyone.