Warning ahead of busy Easter on the water

As boat owners prepare to take to the water this Easter, the Department of Transport (DoT) has renewed its warning to people using personal water craft (PWC) or Jetskis that bad behaviour will not be tolerated.

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 - including speeding offences up 65 per cent and careless or dangerous navigation, freestyling, or failure to keep proper lookout up 90 per cent.

DoT Waterways Safety Director Graeme Meinema said a PWC was 5.4 times more likely to attract an offence over summer than another registered vessel and warned PWC operators to think again if they planned to run amok at inland dams or on the Swan and Canning Riverpark this Easter.

“We are working closely with other authorities at a number of busy locations, including Logue Brook Dam, to address the unsafe on-water behaviour that puts the lives of other waterway users at risk,” Mr Meinema said.

Mr Meinema said the extended Easter break was always a busy time on our waterways and skippers were responsible for the safety of everyone on board.

“All PWC operators need to abide by the rules and remember everyone needs to wear a lifejacket,” Mr Meinema said.

“Skippers heading offshore need to be mindful of the changing swell conditions at Easter and be particularly careful when operating near reefs.

“There are countless examples of smaller vessels operating between Two Rocks and Geraldton being swamped or flipped while fishing on the reef lines between one and three nautical miles from shore.

“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.

“Rottnest is another popular boating destination and skippers unfamiliar with the Island’s complex reef system need navigation charts on board.

“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.

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