Regular river users say the influx of users has lead to congestion in some parts, and is seeing increased boating activity in areas of the river not often used.
And with more people swimming, fishing and completing the local tradition of ‘floating’, they say it’s important that the safety of all river users is paramount.
The sentiments have been echoed by Deniliquin Police, who say the last thing they want is an injury or tragedy to mar the summer holidays.
Deniliquin-based Murray River Police District Chief Inspector Michael Fuller said police will be closely monitoring river use, not just safety on the roads.
“Police regularly monitor New South Wales waterways; don’t forget that just like on land, they can stop you for random breath testing (RBT) and random drug testing (RDT) when your vessel is under way, including when it is drifting.
“If you're over the legal limit, police can give you a court attendance notice. If a court convicts you of an offence, your licence can be cancelled.
“It's recommended that you stay under the legal limit when moored, berthed or anchored, just in case you need to move your vessel.
“Police work with Transport for NSW and our partner agencies such as Marine Rescue NSW to keep everyone safe on the waters.
“Police boats are attached to Moama, Barham and Deniliquin Police stations, so the chances of seeing police out on the water during the season is always high.
“You will see police patrols on the rivers over the season, as well as police patrols around boat ramps and camping/car park areas.
“Our focus is on safety for everyone. It is important that before you hit the water that you understand the rules and how to look out for yourself, your vessel, your friends and the other users on land and the water.
“Thankfully, with so many great rivers and water activities around the district, there are boat clubs and associations that you can join and learn.
“Police encourage everyone wanting to get on the water to make these connections to build their skills, knowledge and safety awareness.
“For the rules and processes on the water, www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/boating-and-marine is a great resource from Transport for New South Wales.”
Just like on our roads, blood alcohol limits apply for anyone in control of a water vessel or personal water craft.
Blood alcohol concentration limits apply to the driver, the observer in a vessel that's towing a person, and anyone being towed by a vessel.
Aged under-18 (all vessels) your limit is zero, and those 18 and over must not exceed 0.05.
According to section 25 of the Marine Safety Act 1998 (NSW), it is also illegal to operate a boat or vessel in any waters in NSW while you have any prescribed illicit drug present in your oral fluid, blood or urine.
The maximum penalty is $1,100 and six months disqualification of licence for a first offence of drug driving on a boat, and $2200 with 12 months licence disqualification for a second or subsequent offence.
Other offences include speeding, operating an unregistered vessel, unlicensed driving and failure to carry the necessary safety equipment.
“Noise is also something to consider, with offensive noise such as improper use of siren/bell/whistle, sound system (offensive noise) or engine noise (offensive) attracting penalties of $300 each offence,” Chief Insp Fuller said.
“There are serious penalties for breaching rules and regulations, particularly those that put people at risk of death or serious harm.
“Your craft can be seized, and your licence cancelled, as well as facing court for the most serious offences involving injury or death to other people.
“We have great waterways around the district, but as we have sadly seen over the years, incidents on the water can result in people losing their lives.
“The water is there to share. Looking out for each other, obeying the rules and being safety focused for everyone will keep people safe and allow everyone to enjoy the water whether they are on a boat, jet ski, fishing or just relaxing in or by the water.
“Follow the rules including speed limits, safety equipment and ensure you learn the river you are operating your vessel on so you can be a safe as possible.
“The worst thing for police is having to go to someone’s house to tell their loved ones that they have died on the water.”
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