4 Knots on Lake Bonney

The weather is warming up and its time that many will get their boats back on the water. As a boat user it is important to be aware that parts of the River Murray and Lake Bonney have speed limits in areas where high-speed boats can be hazardous to other aquatic activities? These are often signposted near boat ramps.

There are also many restrictions on waterways that boat drivers need to be aware of:

o    you are to do 4 knots if your vessel is within 50m of a person in the water;

o    you are to do 4 knots if your vessel is within 50m of a person in or on a kayak, surfboard, sailboard or similar small unpowered        recreational vessel.

o    you are to do 4 knots within 30 m of any other vessel (whether stationary or underway) that may be adversely affected by your     wake  or wash.

o    you are to do 4 knots within 30 m of a jetty, wharf or other place at which a boat is being launched or retrieved.

As a boat owner, it is your responsibility to keep up with rules and regulations. The South Australian recreational boating safety handbook is available online

Due to the variety of aquatic activities that are undertaken on Lake Bonney there is an area specifically zoned as 4 knot speed restriction. This zone means that all vessels are to travel at a maximum of 4 knots within this area regardless of any of the above conditions. See the signs adjacent to the Lake Boat ramps for more information.