PROPOSED changes to South Australian life jacket laws are long overdue and a previous lack of action from the State Government has cost lives, according to two local fishermen.
The State Government announced last month it would consult with the boating community on two proposed options for stronger life jacket requirements following a spate of drownings.
The changes would see operators of professional and recreational vessels operating in South Australia forced to adopt strict standards based on Victorian law or New South Whales law.
While boating safety advocates Craig Philp and Jamie Coates welcomed the announcement, both agreed it was “ridiculous” sweeping changes to life jacket laws were not imposed years ago.
“Honestly I think it’s ludicrous they have only just now decided to do something,” Mr Philp told The Border Watch.
“It’s a no brainer really and it’s about time – the state government is almost responsible for the fatalities that have occurred until now, if you want to push it that far.”
Of the 35 people who drowned in boating accidents across South Australia in the last decade, only one was wearing a life jacket.
Under current laws, all vessels operating in South Australian waters are required to have life jackets for each person on board, however it is only recommended children 12 years old or younger wear them.
Mr Philp survived when a boat he was in capsized near Carpenter Rocks in 2013, his life saved by wearing a life jacket.
He lost his mate Wayne Coates, Jamie’s father, who was not wearing one.
“It seems ridiculous our lifejacket laws weren’t changed years ago,” Mr Coates said.
“How many fatalities have to happen before they strengthen the standards?
“The Victorian standards are tougher and I think we should adopt the same rules – everyone on board should be required to wear a life jacket at all times.”
Adopting New South Wales standards would include requirements for life jackets to be worn on vessels up to 4.8 metres at night, in open water, when boating alone and by children 12 years and under at all times.
Alternately, adopting Victorian standards would require everyone on board to wear a life jacket at all times in vessels up to 4.8 metres and at times of “heightened risk” in larger vessels.
“If the rules are enforced it becomes habit, like wearing your seatbelt in the car – when you forget to put it on it feels wrong,” Mr Philp said.
“Right now it isn’t a habit for everyone and people don’t always wear a life jacket.”
Transport and infrastructure minister Stephen Mullighan said the proposed changes aligned with the State Government’s priority to provide quality boating facilities.
“South Australia is lucky to have thousands of kilometres of some of the world’s best coastal shorelines and inland waterways, making boating, fishing and other water sports incredibly popular pastimes,” Mr Mullighan said.
“While we want to encourage recreational boaters to enjoy our spectacular coast line, we want to do everything in our power to make sure everyone is safe while out on the water.
“We don’t want to stop people from enjoying themselves or impose unnecessary red tape, but we do want to make sure we do whatever we can to reduce serious injuries and deaths out on the water.”
Boating Industry Association chief executive Howard Glenn said the State Government had taken a “sensible approach.”
“We believe strongly that good boating is safe boating, and we’re committed to work with the South Australian Government to get the lifejacket wear rules right,” Mr Glenn said.
“It’s such a sensible approach to look at the rules in nearby New South Wales and Victoria, and adopt what’s best for the South Australian waterways.
“Getting people on small boats in those states to wear life jackets, through a combination of education and regulation, has made boating better, safer and encouraged more people to get on board.”
