BOAT owners and boat users, industry groups, rescue services and volunteer organisations can have a say about plans to strengthen life jacket requirements in South Australia.
The State Government will consult with the boating community on two proposed options following a spate of drownings.
Currently all vessels operating in South Australian waters must have a life jacket on-board for each person, but it is only recommended children under 12 wear them.
Any changes are expected to borrow from laws in place interstate in Victoria or New South Wales.
New South Wales standards 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 in a vessel up to 4.8 metres.
In Victoria everyone on board is required to wear a life jacket at all times in vessels of up to 4.8 metres and at times of heightened risk in vessels between 4.8 metres and 12 metres.
An online survey will be targeted at boat owners with children or who have children in their care, as well as people who do not own a boat but regularly use them.
The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure will also target stakeholder groups.
The survey is available online at the State Government’s yourSAy website and will be available until close of business on September 22.
Hard copies of the survey can also be requested by calling DPTI on 1300 183 046.
