Campaign images and videos

Boating safety

Many boaters believe they are experienced enough to handle any situation on the water, and that people who get into strife are foolish or inexperienced. However, accidents can happen to anyone.

Maritime Safety Victoria (MSV) is reminding boaters to wear a lifejacket, and urging them to carry an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB).

Read more: Lifejacket and EPIRB campaign

Wear a lifejacket - boater, Facebook

Wear a lifejacket, don't risk a fine

Dad didn't die boating. He died drowning

Ride Right

Maritime Safety Victoria is helping personal watercraft (PWC) riders play by the rules.

Learn more: Ride Right - PWC rules and advice
Share: Download the Ride Right social media kit DOCX, 8.5 MB

Carry your licence

Carry your licence

Wear a lifejacket

Respect others

Carry a torch

Paddle Safe Paddle Smart

Figures show that the fatality rate among paddlers is increasing. Maritime Safety Victoria is determined to alert paddlers to the importance of wearing a lifejacket and carrying multiple means of raising the alarm.

Be able to raise the alarm

Paddling profile

Paddling profile behaviour

Paddling profile demographic

Paddling profile fatalities

Paddling behaviour and incident reports

David Hourigan, Director of Transport Safety Victoria (TSV), said he was concerned by study findings that come at a time when kayaks, canoes, sit on top kayaks, stand up paddleboards and surf skis are increasing in popularity.

"I welcome the Coroners Court report that examined data from 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2016 and found that, of 107 recreational boater deaths, 19 (17.8 per cent) were paddlers.

"The 19 deceased paddlers were all males and not one had a means of raising the alarm.

"Eleven of the paddlers had a lifejacket with them and seven were wearing them - but only five had them correctly fitted."

A market research study commissioned by MSV found that paddlers thought their activity was low risk and this attitude is at odds with the Coroners findings.