COVID-19

Australia Eases Boating Restrictions

Australia Eases Boating Restrictions

Boaters in Queensland and western Australia can return to the water, but still need to be smart about their conduct.

Queensland and Western Australia have loosened COVID-19 restrictions on recreational boating. Members of the same household can travel 50 km from home for pleasure boating as of Saturday. Fishing and using boats for exercise had been allowed previously. Boaters still need to practice social distancing and are encouraged to be smart when on the water.

Welcome News

The news of the relaxed rules was welcomed by the Australian Boating Industry Association. Darren Vaux, president of the organization said that the announcement was important because it helps put members of the marine industry back to work.

“Governments recognize that getting out on the water is a way of life for many Australians and it’s estimated more than 20 percent of all Australians engage in some form of boating activity annually,” he added.

Australia Eases Boating Restrictions

Boaters are still not allowed to raft up as shown here. Social distancing must still take place.

In 2018-29, BIA estimates that the recreational boating contributed $8.65 billion annually to Australia’s economy and directly employed more than 28,000 people and in excess of 14,500 contractors. Seventy five percent of these workers are in small businesses that support local communities.

Vaux reminded that boaters should wash their hands whenever they come in contact with shared surfaces and they shouldn’t raft up or beach their vessels close to other craft.