What’s Happening?
Lifejacket compliance emerged as the leading safety concern during a spring boating campaign covering Mackay and Townsville.
Maritime Safety Queensland conducted the campaign between 19 September and 5 October 2026, checking vessels and personal watercraft across Queensland.
Officers identified safety breaches during inspections in the combined Mackay and Townsville region, although most intercepted operators complied with the rules. The regional findings formed part of a broader enforcement campaign targeting unsafe behaviour on Queensland waterways.
Why It Matters
Lifejacket compliance remains an important part of boating safety, particularly when officers identify operators who fail to meet the requirements.
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said all waterway users had a responsibility to operate safely.
“Queensland’s waterways are for everyone, but every skipper and personal watercraft rider must operate safely and responsibly,” Mr Dillon said.
The statewide campaign also targeted speeding, unsafe riding and other behaviour that could put people on the water at risk.
Local Impact
For Mackay boat owners and recreational waterway users, the regional findings highlight the importance of checking safety requirements before heading out.
Motorboats accounted for most vessels inspected across Mackay and Townsville, making them the main focus of the combined regional results.
While lifejackets were the most commonly recorded issue, the release did not provide a separate breakdown of breaches or enforcement actions for Mackay alone.
The findings therefore reflect the combined Mackay and Townsville inspection area rather than individual outcomes for either city.
By The Numbers
- 62 intercepts: Total vessel and personal watercraft checks across Mackay and Townsville.
- 67 per cent: Compliance rate recorded across the combined region.
- 57 motorboats: Number of motorboats intercepted, accounting for most regional checks.
Zoom In
Maritime Safety Queensland officers used inspections to identify operators who were not meeting boating safety requirements.
Across the statewide campaign, enforcement officers focused on speeding, lifejacket breaches, unsafe manoeuvres and other risky behaviour.
Dillon said the agency used several sources of information to determine where patrols were needed.
“We use community reports, compliance data, targeted drone surveillance and local intelligence to focus patrols where unsafe behaviour poses the greatest risk.”
This approach allowed officers to direct their efforts towards waterways where unsafe behaviour had been identified.
Zoom Out
The Mackay and Townsville results were part of Maritime Safety Queensland’s largest Spring Boat Safety Campaign.
Across Queensland, officers recorded widespread non-compliance among personal watercraft riders, particularly involving speeding and lifejacket requirements.
Personal watercraft operators recorded a lower compliance rate than other vessel operators, prompting renewed warnings about responsible riding.
“The message is simple: cool your jets. Slow down, wear the right lifejacket and give others space to enjoy the water safely,” Dillon said.
What To Look For Next?
Maritime Safety Queensland has warned that riders who speed, perform unsafe manoeuvres or disregard other waterway users can expect enforcement action.
“If you speed, freestyle around other waterway users or ride recklessly, expect to see Maritime Safety Queensland and police on the water.”
