Statewide 60-Knot Speed Limit on Towing in NSW

What’s Happening?

From 24 April 2025, a temporary maximum speed limit of 60 knots (110 km/h) is in place for all powered vessels towing any person, regardless of age, on all NSW navigable waters. This restriction has now been extended beyond 30 June 2025 to 30 April to 2026, unless revoked or modified earlier.

This safety measure is enacted under Section 11 of the Marine Safety Act 1998.

Why This Change?

Between February and October 2024, four lives were tragically lost in high-speed water-skiing incidents. 
Previously, NSW marine law only restricted towing speeds to 60 knots when the person being towed  is under 18. Which meant the maximum speed for towing persons 18 or older relied  solely on the vessel master’s discretion under general “safe speed” and ‘distance off’ provisions.

To  help prevent further tragedies on NSW waterways, Transport for NSW has introduced a temporary speed limit of 60 knots for all towing activities, regardless of the age of the person being towed. 

In parallel, Ski Racing Australia has taken proactive steps by suspending all high-speed ski racing events until 30 June 2025.

What You Need to Know

• The 60-knot limit applies to all ages and all towing activities on NSW navigable waters.
• Towing activities at speeds less than 60 knots, such as wakeboarding and the various forms of tournament skiing, remain unaffected.
• This measure is in place pending a broader review of marine safety regulation.

Importantly, this statewide limit does not override existing local waterway rules. Vessel operators must continue to observe all local speed and distance restrictions, maintain a proper lookout, and operate at a safe speed at all times.

Report of the Special Purpose Investigation into Water Ski Racing – Now Available

NSW Maritime has completed its Special Purpose Investigation into high-speed water-skiing. The resulting report is now published and available for download. This report provides important insights to help Ski Racing Australia and unaffiliated clubs understand risks and consider additional safety measures.

Transport for NSW continues to work closely with Ski Racing Australia and other stakeholders to review and improve safety protocols for high-speed water-skiing.

We encourage all waterway users to access the report and check back on this page for future updates. For any changes to waterways, always refer to current Marine Notices.

Your safety is our priority, and we appreciate your cooperation as we work to make NSW waterways safer for everyone.

Report of the Special Purpose Investigation into Water Ski Racing (PDF 1.8MB) 
 

Need More Information?

For full details, please refer to the most up to date Marine Notice.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Transport for NSW on 13 12 36.