News

New lifejacket rules have come into force in Queensland, Australia, making it compulsory to wear such a device when alone, in a smaller open boat.

The rule changes mean a person must wear a lifejacket when alone or accompanied only by children under 12 in an open boat less than 4.8m in length while it is underway.

The law also covers boating in such a craft between sunset and sunrise, during the crossing of a coastal bar in any open area of a boat and it stipulates children between one and 12 must also wear one in any sized open boat or area.

Specifically, lifejackets must be worn when crossing a designated coastal bar in small sail boats, pedal boats, rafts, rowing boats and sea and surfy kayaks.

However, this does not apply to body or surf boards, wind or kite surfers and stand-up paddle boards.

All lifejackets must be marked with the appropriate label indicating the lifejacket level. This label is marked by the manufacturer and should be on the lifejacket at the time of purchase.

Inflatable lifejackets must comply with the same standards as foam lifejackets. They must be gas inflated and not rely on oral inflation only. They are also required to have markings that show the level of buoyancy that they will provide.

Inflatable lifejackets used on a recreational boat must show an expiry date and be serviced by the manufacturer or authorised service agent before that date.