Boat owners taking to the water for this year’s Australia Day Lotterywest Skyworks have been urged to make safety their first priority when planning their trip.

Department for Planning and Infrastructure Marine Officers, who are controlling the on water activities for the event, said Australia Day was one of the busiest times of the year on the Swan River and skippers were reminded to observe special restrictions on Perth Water.

Senior Marine Officer Mike Woods said boat owners were urged to check safety equipment on board their vessel, particularly their navigation lights, before setting out.

All vessels must have some form of navigation lights when they are on the water before sunrise or after sunset. In addition, it is recommended life jackets and flares are carried on board when on the river.

Mr Woods said skippers need to be vigilant at all times on the water, particularly following the skyworks.

"The most dangerous time on the water followed the show when the number of vessels on the water, many heading for home at the same time, can make for hazardous conditions," Mr Woods said.

"Boat owners should anticipate delays and to ease the congestion skippers are requested to wait up to an hour before starting their journey home."

Special water restrictions boat owners should be aware of include:

• An eight knot speed limit will apply from a line drawn between Quarry Point and Quarry Spit Post and then to Mill Point. This speed limit extends to Perth Water;
• Perth Water will be closed to all vessels from 5pm to 9.30pm;and,
• Vessels are only to anchor or moor in the spectator craft areas.

In addition, the personal watercraft freestyle area west of the Narrows Bridge will be closed from 3pm to 10pm to allow vessels to anchor, while bathing is prohibited from 3pm to 10pm in the restricted waters upstream of Quarry Point to the Causeway.

Boat owners are also reminded that as usual after dark the speed limit on the Swan and Canning Rivers is 10 knots.

While it is not a requirement for all vessels to be fitted with a radio, boats fitted with one are asked to monitor the 27 Mhz frequency Channel 27.91 or 27.90 for the duration of the event.

Mr Woods said the Department’s Marine Officers would be on hand to advise uncertain members of the boating public.

"Safety should be given top priority in planning any trip on the water," Mr Woods said.

For more information seerecreational boating.

Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 0408 098 220