New Life Jacket Laws!

New Life Jacket Laws for Queensland Coming into Effect December 2024

Queensland is introducing new life jacket regulations designed to improve boating safety, with the changes set to come into effect on December 1, 2024. Whether you’re a recreational boater or enjoy water sports, it’s important to understand the new rules to ensure you comply and stay safe on the water.

Key Changes to Life Jacket Laws

From December 1, 2024, these new rules will apply:

• Boating Alone or with Children Under 12: If you’re operating an open boat less than 4.8 metres in length, you’ll be required to wear a life jacket if you’re boating alone or if your only passengers are children under 12. This applies when the vessel is underway.

• Crossing a Designated Coastal Bar: Life jackets will be mandatory for all individuals when crossing a designated coastal bar, whether you’re on an open boat or on an open area of a ship of any length.

• Night Boating: If you’re boating between sunset and sunrise on an open boat less than 4.8 metres in length, you’ll also be required to wear a life jacket.

In addition to the above, if you have children on board, the following rule applies:

• Children Aged 1 to 12 Years: Any child over the age of 1 and under 12 must wear a life jacket when on an open boat or in the open area of a vessel of any length whilst underway.

New Standards for Life Jackets

From April 30, 2025, all life jackets must comply with the Australian Standard AS 4758, so be sure to check that your safety gear meets this requirement in advance.

Additional Requirements for Specific Craft

In a separate gazette notice, from December 1, 2024, life jackets will also be required when crossing coastal bars on specific types of craft. These include:

• Small sailboats (e.g., fun boats, lasers, herons)

• Pedal boats

• Rafts, including inflatable rafts

• Rowboats

• Sea and surf kayaks

Note: The regulation does not apply to body boards, surfboards, boogie boards, windsurfers, or kite surfers, as these are considered lower-risk vessels in this context.

With these new life jacket regulations, Queensland aims to enhance safety on its waterways. Make sure you’re prepared for these changes and check that your life jackets are up to the required standards ahead of the deadlines. Stay safe and enjoy your time on the water!