Boats, trailers and safety equipment targeted in pre-summer safety blitz

Skippers need to do regular maintenance of their vessel, trailer and safety equipment before heading out on the water this season.

Department of Transport (DoT) Director Waterways Safety Chris Mather said two weekend-long campaigns targeting boat ramps north and south of the river over the next month will involve checks of vessels and trailers and see officers reinforce the need to have safety gear that is in good condition and accessible in an emergency.

"DoT produces a free BEST Check guide which identifies items under the headings boat, equipment, safety equipment and trailer to be maintained before each trip and lists items for an annual 45-point check. Boat owners can follow the guide and complete the check before they hit the ramp," Mr Mather said.

"Officers will also be taking the opportunity to reinforce the importance of having the correct safety equipment in good working order and will be advocating skippers and passengers take the 30 Second Challenge which tests readiness for an emergency response on board a vessel."

The initiative tests if people can gather flares, EPIRB, make a radio call and don a lifejacket in 30 seconds. People can visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/30secondchallenge to find out how to take the challenge.

"Tragically 20 of the 29 deaths (69 per cent) on WA waters over the last four years may have been prevented if the person had been wearing a lifejacket when they entered the water," Mr Mather said.

The first of two campaigns involving officers and inspectors from DoT and Main Roads will focus on boat ramps from Hillarys to Two Rocks next weekend (Nov 3 and 4, 2018) and the second campaign, on November 24 and 25, 2018, will concentrate on launch sites from Woodman Point to Port Kennedy.

For more information about boating safety visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine

Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au