Stay safe on the River Murray this long weekend, police urge

Like so many skiers and river lovers, SA Police will be out and about for Operation Riversafe as the summer holidays draw to a close.

Stay safe on the River Murray this long weekend, police urge
Make sure your life jacket is newer than this old model, say Gordon Panton, Cindy Healey and Darian Leske. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

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The Australia Day long weekend is always a popular time for people to take to the River Murray for skiing, kayaking, swimming and general relaxation.

SA Police just wants everyone to stay safe while they kick back.

Marine safety officers will be out and about this weekend for Operation Riversafe, testing boat drivers for drugs and alcohol, enforcing life jacket laws and making sure people’s safety gear is compliant.

Superintendent Cindy Healey urged everyone to stay safe and sober while they enjoyed the river.

“It’s no surprise that we do get an influx of visitors to our beautiful river at this time of year, however that does come with risk,” she said.

“It’s important to understand the dangers when swimming, boating or fishing.

“Make sure you know the rules and you abide by them at all times.”

In particular, she said, drugs, alcohol and the river did not mix.

Life jackets are critical to river safety. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

Marine Safety SA’s Gordon Panton said a life jacket was the most important piece of equipment on any boat.

Not only did they need to be worn – by adults on boats up to 4.8 metres in length, by children at all times, and in certain conditions – but they also needed to be well maintained and up to current standards.

A new safety standard, AS 4758, became law on January 1.

“It’ll be marked with N50, N50S, N100 or higher,” he said.

“An easy way to tell if it’s not compliant (is) it’ll have a PFD1, PFD2 or PFD3.

“If you’re unsure, head to the government website to check or speak to a marine safety officer or SAPOL when you’re at a boat ramp.”

He also warned boat operators to slow down around swimmers, kayakers and moored vessels: “If you want to go on your jetski and have some fun ... head up the river where you’re away from everyone else.”

Police will be on patrol on the River Murray this weekend. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

Operation Riversafe began on December 27 and will continue until February 3.

As of last Friday, officers had reported three people, fined six more and issued 11 cautions between the Murraylands and Riverland.

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