Lock safety in the spotlight ahead of bumper summer season

SA Water is reminding river users of the need to stay safe while passing through SA Water’s network of locks along the River Murray, ahead of a surge in river traffic over summer.

The school holiday period is the busiest time for SA Water’s team of dedicated lockmasters, with the December to February period typically seeing more than half of the year’s total lockage numbers.

SA Water’s Senior Locks Coordinator Robbie Bonner said it is important for boat drivers and kayakers of all levels of experience to brush-up on their lock knowledge.

“Safety is our main priority and is why we have a clear and simple process for the thousands of houseboats, fishing dinghies, ski boats and all other river vessels needing to pass through our lock chambers along the mighty Murray each year,” Robbie said.

“The overwhelming majority of those passing through our lock chambers do the right thing, but unfortunately we have seen examples this year of a very small handful who don’t obey the clear instructions of our team on site.

“This may be something as simple as incorrectly fixing the chamber’s rope to their boat, but this could potentially cause damage to their vessel and risk the safety of themselves and our people.”

According to Mr. Bonner, there are a few basic steps to navigating a lock chamber.

“The first step is for drivers to contact our team when around 400 to 600 metres from the lock to notify us of your arrival, with this done either by calling our local attendants or with three prolonged blasts of the vessel's horn,” Robbie said.

“Our team then go about safely preparing the lock for passage, with the flashing red light atop the control box turning green to indicate it is safe for visitors to slowly and carefully enter the chamber.

"From there, it is important for drivers and other passengers to follow the clear Instructions of our experienced lockmasters to maintain a few safety basics while securing the vessel inside the chamber, while we raise or lower the water level as needed.

“For boats, this includes making sure any ropes are wrapped - not tied – to the appropriate fixing point of any vessel, to best protect it from the risk of potential damage.”

"We can then reopen the lock gates when safe to do so, and send passengers safely on their travels down the mighty Murray.

“With an influx of more people using our locks and weirs over the coming months, we thank everyone for their cooperation in ensuring the safety of our people and the broader community.”

On behalf of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, SA Water manages Locks One to Six in South Australia as well as Lock Seven at Rufus River and Lock Eight at Wangumma in New South Wales, and Lock Nine at Kulnine in Victoria. The utility also operates barrages at Goolwa, Mundoo, Boundary Creek, Ewe Island and Tauwitchere.

For more information on SA Water’s network of locks and weirs, visit sawater.com.au.

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