Life jackets must now be worn

Crossing the surf bar between Broken Bay and Brisbane Water without a life jacket could result in fines of up to $200, according to NSW Minister for Transport Services, Mr Michael Costa.

Mr Costa recently announced new on-the-spot fines for persons failing to wear life jackets when crossing coastal surf bars.

Surf bars are areas where estuaries, streams, and rivers run into the sea.

Mr Costa said there had been four reported life or injury threatening incidents at this surf bar between 1992 and 2002.

"Surf bars are dangerous and unpredictable boating environments," he said.

The new fine of $200 came into effect on October 1.

Mr Costa said that the new regulations were aimed at improving the safety of recreational boating licence holders and their passengers.

Under previous regulations, recreational boaters only needed to hold life jackets on their boats when crossing surf bars.

Press release, September 25