Skippers failing to consider the weather before heading out on the water contributed to the significant increase in boating deaths in WA in the past ten years.
The average number of on-water deaths per year has increased to 7.3, significantly up on the previous ten-year average of 4.6.
To combat the tragic toll, the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) has launched a five-year education campaign to give skippers a better understanding of weather information and support improved decision making.
The first year of the new 'Weather or not' campaign focuses on waves, seas and swell to address the very high incidence of capsize in the last five years.
There has been a concerning doubling in capsize incidents over two years, growing from 15 in 2022-23 and 24 in 2023-24 to 31 in 2024-25 with four involving a fatality.
Every time a skipper heads to open water the forecast waves, seas and swell should be considered along with current warnings, wind direction and speed and changing tides. On the water they should also be aware that wave height can vary in every set, with some waves being considerably larger so a good lookout is essential especially near reefs.
To make it easier for skippers and provide clear guidelines about the appropriate seas and swell for different craft sizes we have created a table that tells them if conditions are safe for their vessel.
It is a simple, easy to use tool that has the potential to save lives on the water.
