Changes to Life Jacket Laws commenced 1 December 2024

A lifejacket is a vital piece of safety equipment that could save your life. The best idea is to make sure you wear it. Put the lifejacket on as part of your pre-trip preparation. It is a lot harder to put a lifejacket on in the water during an emergency.

Lifejacket rules

New lifejacket rules starting from 1 December 2024

Wearing a lifejacket is compulsory:

1. when alone or accompanied only by children under 12 years in an open boat less than 4.8m in length and underway.
2. during the crossing of a designated coastal bar in an open boat, as well as in any open area of a boat of any length, and on certain craft.
3. while boating between sunset and sunrise in an open boat less than 4.8m in length and underway.
4. children aged over one year and under 12 years must wear a lifejacket when on an open boat or in the open area of a boat of any length while it’s underway.

Specific craft requirements as of 1 December 2024

You must wear a lifejacket when crossing a designated coastal bar in the following types of craft:

1. small sail boats (funboats, lasers, herons)
2. pedal boats
3. rafts (including inflatable rafts)
4. rowboats (excluding those operated by Surf Life Saving Australia Clubs)
5. sea and surf kayaks.

Note: this requirement does not apply to users of:

1. body or boogie boards
2. surf boards
3. wind surfers
4. kite surfers
5. stand-up paddle boards.

The lifejacket rules for riding a jet ski (personal watercraft) remain the same.

For further information visit the MSQ website; https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/safety/life-jackets