Kiteboarders, windsurfers and paddlers heading out more than 400 metres from shore will now need to carry a range of safety equipment with them.
From today, water users will need to meet the same safety equipment requirements as those introduced for tenders and sailing dinghies last September.
Some of these include carrying an appropriate lifejacket for each person, wearing a lifejacket for children aged 1 to 12 years, carrying an EPIRB or wearing a GPS-enabled Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and carrying flares or an approved electronic signalling device.
On-water incidents in WA claimed 61 lives in the past eight years - three more than the previous 13 years.
Over the past ten years the average number of deaths per year increased to 7.1, significantly up on the previous ten-year average of 4.7.
The Department of Transport has launched an education campaign targeting sail and kiteboarders, windsurfers and those who use paddle craft.
Enthusiasts are being told ‘It’s time to get on board’ with an extension of the successful earlier campaign for skippers fronted by former Fremantle Docker and marine biologist David Mundy.
“The new laws simplify the requirements for these particular craft and replace laws that were complicated," Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael said.
“Recreational vessel owners throughout WA embraced the new equipment requirements introduced as the first stage of reform last September with many complying ahead of schedule.
“The overwhelming majority of skippers in WA are doing the right thing with compliance rates sitting close to 90 per cent from January to June this year and higher than 90 per cent for lifejackets and EPIRBs and PLBs for the quarter to June.
“Today marks the introduction of the second and final stage of the new laws completing the most comprehensive review of safety equipment requirements for recreational vessels and watercraft in WA in 30 years.
“I encourage all boat owners, sail and kiteboarders, windsurfers and paddlers to ‘get on board’ as they prepare to spend time on the water in spring and summer and act to comply with the laws to enjoy their activities safely.”
For more details about the changes visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/safetyequipment
Mandurah tops regional investor hotspot list
Mandurah woman accused of lighting fires at two cemeteries
Health warning issued for swimmers at Safety Bay beach
Mandurah man claims $500k Saturday Lotto prize
Damaging winds to batter Bunbury, Mandurah, Perth
Man charged over road rage attack in Mandurah
State Government launches $5M family, domestic violence campaign
Suspicious fire rips through Parmelia home
Hunt continues for driver over serious road rage attack in Mandurah