What’s happening?
With warmer weather bringing more boats and jet skis onto the water, Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) is calling on Mackay’s boating community to take extra care. A six-month compliance campaign is now underway, focusing on personal watercraft (PWC) riders and skippers who continue to ignore speed limits and lifejacket rules.
The Queensland Government says the initiative is about reducing risky behaviour and making sure everyone enjoys the water safely this spring and summer.
Why it matters
Statewide, 28 per cent of PWC and more than 8 per cent of motorboats intercepted between 2022 and 2025 were caught speeding. In Mackay, 16 per cent of PWC riders were found exceeding limits, compared with just over 5 per cent of motorboats.
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said there’s no excuse for reckless behaviour. “Slow down, keep a proper lookout and make sure you and your passengers are complying with lifejacket rules,” he said. “Our waterways are at their busiest during the holidays, and that means every skipper needs to stay alert and act responsibly.”
By the Numbers:
-
16% of PWC riders in Mackay caught speeding between 2022 and 2025.
-
5% of local motorboats found exceeding limits.
-
28% of PWC riders statewide caught speeding.
-
$333 is the starting fine for speeding offences.
-
6 knots is the maximum speed within 60 metres of people, shorelines, pontoons, and anchored vessels.
Zoom In
MSQ’s Maritime Enforcement Team will be keeping a close watch on Mackay’s waterways, reminding riders to ‘cool your jets’ and follow the rules. The focus is on encouraging compliance before unsafe habits cause harm.
Mr Dillon said too many boaters are still taking unnecessary risks. “Too often we are seeing jet skis and tinnies weaving through busy waterways at high speed, putting families, children, paddlers and other boaties at risk,” he said. “This kind of behaviour is dangerous, deliberate and unacceptable. If you put others at risk, expect an on-the-spot fine.”
Zoom Out
The campaign also reinforces new lifejacket laws introduced in December 2024, which require lifejackets to be worn in high-risk situations.
“The new laws save lives,” Mr Dillon said. “It’s important that every skipper brushes up on the lifejacket laws and complies.”
Local Impact
For Mackay, where boating, fishing, and water recreation are part of everyday life, the safety push serves as a timely reminder. The extra patrols aim to keep local families and visitors safe while enjoying the region’s coastline, rivers, and islands.
What to look for next
Maritime Safety Queensland’s compliance patrols will continue through early 2026. Boaties can visit www.msq.qld.gov.au for full details on boating speed limits and lifejacket requirements.
