NEW LIFE JACKET LAWS COME INTO EFFECT DECEMBER 1, 2024

BREAKING NEWS – New life jacket laws for Queensland

New regulations surrounding life jacket usage in Queensland are set to come into effect from December 1, 2024.

However, there has been no word from the current government, even though these new laws were approved in late September.

This beckons the questions – Why has the government delayed the announcement of the new laws – something to do with an election?

The community is sick and tired of governments playing games with the community.

I have mentioned in my editorials of late that changes needed to happen.

However, have these changes gone far enough to protect the boating and fishing community.

Changes from December 1, 2024 include the following.

You will need to wear your life jacket if:

• you’re boating alone, or only with children under 12 years on an open ship less than 4.8 metres in length whilst underway
• you’re crossing a designated coastal bar on an open ship and on an open area of a ship of any length
• you’re boating between sunset and sunrise on an open boat less than 4.8 metres in length whilst underway.

From December 1, 2024, you will also need to make sure children one year or more and under 12 years on an open boat or an open area of a ship of any length whilst underway are also wearing a life jacket.

From April 30, 2025, life jackets must be made to the current Australian Standard (AS 4758).

In a gazette notice separate to the regulation, from December 1, 2024, you will need to wear a lifejacket when crossing a coastal bar on certain craft – where craft  means vessels in the style of and with a risk profile of:

• Small sail boats (fun boats, lasers, herons)
• Pedal boats
• Rafts, including inflatable rafts
• Rowboats
• Sea and surf kayaks

Note: craft does not include vessels in the style of and with a risk profile of body boards, surf boards, boogie boards, wind surfers or kite surfers.

#New life jacket laws for Queensland

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