Swimming ban at Manly Wharf after divers stop ferries leaving on time

Divers leaping into the sea close to moving ferries have prompted the creation of a swimming exclusion zone around Manly Wharf — and there is a hefty fine for people who ignore the ban.

Daredevils jumping off the wharf at Manly.

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Daredevil divers leaping into the sea close to moving ferries have prompted the creation of a swimming exclusion zone around Manly Wharf.

Commercial ferry and water taxi skippers had been complaining to police and maritime officials that teenagers had been diving into the Cove as vessels leave wharves 2 and 3.

Police were told that groups of thrill seeking youths were using the wash from departing twin-hulled fast ferries to be pushed along the surface of the water.

Swimming exclusion zones around Manly Wharf to stop people diving close to ferries. Source: RMS

Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and senior officers from the Northern Beaches Police Local Area Command recently met with commercial vessel operators, including Manly Fast Ferries and Captain Cook Cruises, to discuss safety concerns.

A Fast Ferries spokesman said it was concerned for the safety of young people jumping off wharves close to its vessels.

“While we do have to wait for the kids to get out of the water, which can delay our services, safety is our major concern,” he said.

A swimming exclusion zone has been implemented around Manly Wharf. Picture: Manly. Adam Yip / Manly Daily

As well as a new exclusion zone, RMS is installing new signs warning swimmers not to enter the water from the wharves — a popular pastime for generations of northern beaches’ children.

The swimming exclusion zone now stretches from the western side of the wharf to the area in front of the Manly Wharf hotel’s outdoor deck.

Swimmers will be hit with a $500 fine if they enter the exclusion zone.

RMSs’ acting executive director Maritime, Mark Hutchings, confirmed its officers had met with key stakeholders, including commercial vessel operators, and NSW Police.

One of the old RMS signs being replaced at Manly Wharf.

Mr Hutchings said that as a result of the meeting, RMS was installing new signs to “deter the unsafe practice of jumping from the wharf” at what he described as one of the busiest ferry terminals on Sydney Harbour.

“Roads and Maritime will continue to work with ferry operators and local stakeholders to ensure this dangerous practice is prevented through proactive means to reduce risk to the community and commercial operators,” he said.

“Signs which read: ‘Entering water from wharf is prohibited’ will replace existing ‘no jumping’ and ‘no diving’ signs, to more closely reflect the offence.

“A swimming exclusion zone will also be established and enforced around the wharf.”

Mr Hutchings said those caught jumping from the wharf could be fined for not complying with warning signs.

“Enforcement of the sign is under the Ports and Maritime Administration Act 1995 and failing to comply with a safety direction can incur a $500 fine.”

RMS has also urged people who see others jumping from the wharves to call the police.