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Home > About us > News and media > Insights and resources > Insights

Warnings issued ahead of busy Easter on the water

Insights and resources for the Department of Transport

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07
Apr
2025

Easter is a busy time of WA waterways and to people using personal water craft (PWC) or Jetskis have been warned to think again if they planned to run amok at inland dams or on the Swan and Canning Riverpark over the break.

A PWC was 5.4 times more likely to attract an offence during summer than another registered vessel, despite the launch of a targeted education campaign Cool your jets in December.

Summer compliance statistics show the total number of infringements and cautions issued to PWC were up from 513 in 2023-24 to 775 in 2024-25, an increase of 51 per cent. The disappointing results included speeding offences up 65 per cent and careless or dangerous navigation, freestyling, or failure to keep proper lookout up 90 per cent.

Skippers are responsible for the safety of everyone on board and those heading offshore need to be mindful of the changing swell conditions at Easter and be particularly careful when operating near reefs.

Always check the weather on Deckee before heading out, particularly the swell, wear your lifejacket, and have the correct safety gear including a GPS enabled emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), or wear a GPS enabled personal locator beacon (PLB) and flares or an approved electronic signalling device if you have a GPS enabled distress beacon.

Most importantly, skippers need to be aware of changing weather conditions and respond appropriately. They should keep a wary eye on the swells, and be aware that even if things appear safe, larger swells may come at irregular intervals.

For a free copy of one of our nautical charts and safety information visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/safetyequipment Deckee is available now for free download from the App Store and Google Play Store. Visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/Deckee to find out more.

Page last updated: Mon Apr 7 2025 8:44:20 AM