Speaking at the Moruya Wharf on Monday, March 26, Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government would consider tightening safety regulations, but was awaiting the results of a coronial investigation.

“We’ve put the laws there for a reason and we’ve put the guidelines in place for a reason,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“If there’s anything further we need to consider down the track, we will, but we’ll wait to hear the results of an inquiry.”

When asked by the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner if she would lend her voice to the life jacket call, Ms Berejiklian said safety was always a priority on the water.

“We want people to enjoy the beautiful natural environment anywhere in NSW, but especially here on the South Coast,” she said.

“Our message is always safety first and we ask individuals to be as safe as possible because we don’t want to see anybody faced with any tragedy.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of the person who suffered tragically.

“At the end of the day, it is personal responsibility.”

Canberra high school student Georgia Vizovitis died on the morning March 24 after the boat she was on capsized while crossing the Moruya bar.

NSW Police acting superintendent Darren Wood said the 13-year-old was found under the hull of the boat about 40 minutes after the vessel capsized.

NSW Police said the girl was one of six people on board the boat, including two other children also aged 13, and three men aged 18, 29 and 46.

Far South Coast surf lifesavers at the scene said none of the party had life jackets on when rescuers arrived and none were seen floating in the water.

Under NSW law, all recreational vessels are required to carry life jackets for each person on board. The wearing of life jackets is required on personal watercraft and when crossing coastal bars.

Also speaking in Moruya on Monday, Bega MP Andrew Constance said the region had a legacy of pushing for boating safety.

“The instigation of life jackets across bars started here in the Eurobodalla with the dangers of the Narooma bar,” Mr Constance said.

“The government at the time took a tough decision but the right decision to make (life jackets) compulsory.

“We’re devastated for that family and what happened

“Unfortunately it’s a tragedy we’ve all got to obviously learn from and the appropriate inquiry needs to take place.”

Marine Rescue Regional Operations Manager Glenn Sullivan said he was at a loss as to why boaters continued to ignore safety messages.

“I don't know whether it's ignorance or stubbornness. There are enough messages out there and signage at ramps telling you to wear life jackets when crossing the bar. That is all there,” Mr Sullivan said.

“Is there enough signage around letting people know about the dangers they're facing? There really is.  (Roads and Maritime Services) has done a fantastic job with all of that. I just don't understand why the message isn't being heard.”

Mr Sullivan said failing to adhere to marine safety regulations carried significant penalties.

“The offences you can be charged with are quite similar to road offences if you have an accident,” he said.

Mr Sullivan urged all boaters to remember the old catchphrase: “A life jacket can’t save you if you’re not wearing one”.

Visit the RMS website for full boating regulations.