A raft of incentives aimed at supporting recreational boaties this summer are in effect.
Boat owners now have free access to ramps across the state, with the State Government and local councils working together to provide no-cost launch facilities for the next 12 months.
As part of the Algal Bloom Summer Plan – jointly funded with the Federal Government – the Department for Infrastructure and Transport is also providing a 50 per cent discount on recreational boat and light boat trailer registrations for 12 months, benefitting up to 55,000 boat owners across the state.
Boat registration fees vary depending on the length of the vessel. The current annual registration fee for a light boat trailer is $95.
This initiative will see the registration component for light boat trailers reduced by 50 per cent, saving $47 for trailer owners annually.
Along with not having to pay launch fees – which vary according to council districts but are 
typically about $10 per launch – boat owners could save hundreds of dollars over the year.
If you own a boat or boat trailer registered in South Australia, the 50 per cent reduction will be applied to the registration fee and levy (applicable for boats only) on your renewal notice from 1 December 2025.
If your boat or boat trailer is currently unregistered and you wish to use it, you will need to register it before use as normal.
Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) patrols have also increased to seven days a week, up from weekends and public holidays, at eight popular beaches between until April 6 next year. The beaches are Semaphore, Henley Beach, Glenelg, Brighton, Port Noarlunga, Moana, Aldinga and Goolwa.
SLSSA patrols will check conditions every day and place the flags where the water is safest. The patrols will be mobile and able to move to alternative beaches depending on conditions.
The free Beachsafe app, and its companion website Beachsafe.org.au, will now include four reports a day – up from one morning report – from 23 popular beaches across the metropolitan and southern coast.
The app will provide up-to-date information for popular beaches including whether there is any abnormal foam, abnormally coloured water and when the beach was cleaned. Each report features a new beach photo with water views.
The State Government is continuing to coordinate daily clean-ups along metro and key regional beaches in partnership with local councils and other organisations, ensuring people can enjoy visiting the beach this summer.
For more information on the algal bloom, visit algalbloom.sa.gov.au (external site).
