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Jetski revheads and irresponsible boat users targeted with new state government strategy

The state government has released a new strategy to target dangerous and irresponsible behaviour on South Australian waterways with jetskiers and boaties in the crosshairs.

Two critical after jetski, boat crash

Boat speed limits on waterways will be lowered, dangerous jetskiers will be cracked down on and education on powered vessels taught to kids in schools under a new state government strategy.

The South Australian Recreational Boating Strategy 2025-2030 aims to tackle irresponsible and dangerous behaviour across coastal and inland waters, and to provide more education on boating and jetski usage.

It will also result in new boat licence reforms and expanded use of technology such as mobile apps for boat users.

It comes after more than 2800 people made submissions to the government, raising safety concerns and solutions.

Father and son duo, Jesse and Nick of Wildwater Jetski Tours at North Haven.
Father and son duo, Jesse and Nick of Wildwater Jetski Tours at North Haven.
Jet Skiers out on the water with Wildwater Jetskis.
Jet Skiers out on the water with Wildwater Jetskis.

Sixty-five people have drowned in boating accidents over the past 20 years.

Owner of Wildwater Jetski Tours at North Haven, Nick Sciancalepore, told The Advertiser that it was a good move, as he witnessed “stupid” behaviour on jetskis regularly.

“I am all for it because I see a lot of idiots out there and a lot of near-miss incidents,” he said.

“We’re a jetski tour company so we don’t dry-hire jetskis out to anybody, due to the fact that it’s like giving someone a gun to play with if they don’t understand how to operate a jetski.

A safety briefing before clients are taken out on the water at Wildwater Jetskis.
A safety briefing before clients are taken out on the water at Wildwater Jetskis.

“From what I’ve seen, it’s the people who hire the jetskis who are the reckless ones, and you usually see that at boat ramps, and as soon as they get out, yeah, there are a lot of revheads.”

Swim-only and non-powered vessel zones will created at popular swimming spots.

Speed limits for all powered vessels will be set at 4-knots within 100m of bridges and locks and 200m of coastlines.

There will be a crackdown on jetskis near moored boats.

They will not be allowed to circle, weave or ride erratically.

Life jacket and safety equipment requirements will be simplified.

President of the River Murray Boat Owners Association, Roger Wilkes, who made a submission on the issue, says more educationon safety was welcome.

“We live on the river and some of the people on the jetskis are just unbelievable,” he said.

A young family get ready to head out on the water in a boat.
A young family get ready to head out on the water in a boat.

“Any signage at our boat ramps that says ‘this is how you should behave’ is a really good idea.”

Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said he hoped the strategy would “prevent” future accidents on waterways across the state.

“We hope to prevent future trauma by supporting and enforcing safer behaviours on the water, regardless of whether you are heading to the river, enjoying beachside waters or are offshore boating along the coast,” he said.

“Heading out onto the water should be a positive and fun experience for everyone, but our waterways can also be unpredictable and dangerous.

“Over the past 20 years, tragically, an average of three people each year set out to enjoy aquatic activities and never camehome.”

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/jetski-revheads-and-irresponsible-boat-users-targeted-with-new-state-government-strategy/news-story/ac293e71d63250a881b8eee255556590