Call for extra care on the water after boating tragedy

Call for extra care on the water after boating tragedy

NSW Maritime is urging boaters to pay extra attention to safety rules over the Australia Day long weekend following the tragic death of a 13 year-old girl at Moama on the Murray River earlier tonight.

The girl was being towed behind a jetski on an inflatable ring when she became impaled on a river-side snag about 8.30pm.

NSW Maritime General Manager Recreational Boating Brett Moore urged all boaters to operate as safely as possible.

“The tragic accident drives home the importance of safe boating during one of the busiest weekends on the aquatic calendar,” Mr Moore said.

“Boating Safety Officers will be on duty over the whole long weekend on all the State’s major waterways.

“They will be checking lifejackets and other safety equipment, and working with Police on random breath checks to ensure skippers are below 0.05.

“Skippers are reminded they are responsible for the safety of everyone on their boat,” Mr Moore said.