Transport Malta recently launched its Safety at Sea campaign, which aims to educate boat owners enjoy their pastime in a responsible way and in full respect of regulations and swimmers.

The re-establishment of 47 Swimmers’ Zones around the Maltese Islands (see list below) is one the major initiatives of this campaign. Balluta Bay and Qawra (below the seafront hotels) are two new zones being reserved exclusively for swimmers.

Other initiatives by Transport Malta include the installation of 40 speed marker buoys and four additional buoys to mark hazardous reefs which may pose a potential threat to mariners - at Marsalforn, Blue Lagoon, Gnejna Bay and Ghallis Rock in Qawra.

TM enforcement personnel will also act as bay coordinators at Blue Lagoon during peak hours throughout the summer period. The role of these coordinators is primarily educational.

Throughout summer, Transport Malta, together with the police and the Armed Forces of Malta, will be conducting random sea patrols in an effort to curb abuses.

The main objective of the patrols are to instill in the public a sense of awareness. Significant effort is devoted speeding close to shore.

In fact 47 per cent of the charges issued last year were related to speeding.

In 2012, the authority stopped and checked 330 vessels during routine inspections. A total 119 vessels were found contravening the regulations and were charged, while another 153 vessel owners were warned.

List of Swimmers Zones for 2013