Operation Riversafe will encourage ... well, it’s all in the name, really

SA Police will be out and about on the River Murray over the Australia Day long weekend.

Peri Strathearn

Jan 23, 2024 — 2 min read

Sergeant Kevin Doecke and other officers from SA Police’s water operations unit will be out and about on the River Murray this weekend. Photo: SA Police.

SA Police will have a stronger-than-usual presence on the River Murray over the Australia Day weekend as part of an ongoing water safety operation.

Operation Riversafe began on December 7 and will continue until February 5, with the aim of keeping river users safe and compliant with boating regulations.

Officers will be checking:

Blood alcohol levels: below 0.05 for boat operators
Life jackets: on motor boats shorter than 4.8 metres, and for children under 12
Speed limits: four knots near people or other vessels

Superintendent Cindy Healey encouraged everyone to respect the river and each other.

“Whether you are boating, fishing, paddle boarding or skiing, you need to know the rules and regulations and abide by them,” she said.

“The River Murray is a precious resource, and our ability to enjoy it has been affected in recent years by floods, so we ask everyone to be responsible and courteous when using it.”

Police vessels like this one are patrolling the River Murray throughout the summer. Photo: SA Police.

Marine Safety SA’s Gordon Panton said officers from his organisation would focus on restricted areas.

“Penalties will apply for anyone caught doing the wrong thing,” he said.

“We don’t want to be stopping people from enjoying their day out by sending them ashore or issuing expiations, so make sure you are doing the right thing so everyone can enjoy the water safely.”