NSW Police, together with Transport for NSW, are urging residents to plan ahead and to expect a different holiday experience during the summer months of 2020-2021, as they launch the Western phase of their summer-safety campaign.
Operation Summer Safe is a high-visibility operation which commenced in Western Region yesterday (Sunday 1 November 2020), to increase community engagement with the public during summer months in regional NSW.
Operation Summer Safe will focus on policing licensed premises, public spaces and entertainment precincts with the intention to decrease anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence, while also ensuring adherence to current Public Health Orders and increased messaging regarding safety when using our inland waterways.
Police will be assisted by NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officers to ensure recreational boaters on the region’s waterways are complying with safety requirements.
Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie APM, said police are ready for the influx of visitors to Western NSW in the coming months.
“Western Region is a playground for holiday goers and recreational hunting enthusiasts during the summer months and we know from previous years that our region’s unique attractions draw in visitors from all over the state,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
“With that comes increased risks associated with the use of our inland waterways, hunting grounds and rural roads.
“This year the public must also ensure compliance with current Public Health Orders and for us to move through this phase of the pandemic, our communities and visitors to the region need to work with us – not against us.
“We want people to enjoy themselves and everything that our region has to offer, but in a responsible and considerate manner.”
NSW Maritime is currently applying zero tolerance to boating safety breaches, such as failing to wear or carry lifejackets, speeding, unsafe towing activities and personal watercraft offences.
NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said the approach aimed to drive down unsafe behaviour and save lives on NSW waterways.
“Boating on an inland waterway is very different to boating on the coast. Regardless, boaters should always be aware of on-water conditions and avoid taking unnecessary risks,” Mr Hutchings said.
“NSW Maritime is asking boaters heading out over summer to keep in mind there may be submerged and semi-submerged hazards such as trees and branches in dams and rivers and to travel at a speed that is safe for the conditions.”
Mr Hutchings said there have been seven boating fatalities on NSW waterways since Wednesday 1 July 2020.
“While a considerable number of people have continued to boat through the winter months, particularly with COVID-19 keeping people close to home, there is always a group of boaters who pack their vessels away in April and head out for the first time in October,” he said.
“We want to make sure boaters before heading out checking fuel lines, replacing old batteries, and safety equipment as well as following the relevant boating rules which exist to keep us all safe while on the water.”
Mr Hutchings said safety equipment must be in good working order and easily accessible for everyone onboard in order to save lives when they’re needed.
“Carrying, maintaining and checking equipment such as EPIRBs, flares and torches and ensuring that inflatable lifejackets have been serviced within the last 12 months, or in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements, is essential,” Mr Hutchings said.
Road safety will also be a focus of Operation Summer Safe, with Traffic and Highway Patrol officers to assist police districts with targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, driving while fatigued, mobile phone and other traffic offences.
Operation Summer Safe will be continually running from now until the end of summer in February 2021.
Operation Summer Safe commenced in Southern and Northern regions in September this year.
