Sydney jetski riders warned to have fun but ride safe
Have fun but play safe is the message for jetski riders as hot weather draws large crowds to Sydney’s beaches and rivers. SEE EXCLUSIVE PICTURES OF SYDNEY’S RIVER USERS HERE.
Have fun but play safe is the message for jetski riders as hot weather draws large crowds to Sydney’s beaches and rivers.
Authorities issued a stern warning to jetski riders at the start of summer after several incidents nearly ended in tragedy in mere weeks.
Roads and Maritime Services executive maritime director Angus Mitchell said jetski riders were on notice at the start of the season.
“We don’t want the behaviour of an unruly few to impact on the majority who do the right thing,” Mr Mitchell said.
“However, if users fail to get the message about safe and respectful behaviour, their actions jeopardise the ongoing enjoyment of all users.”
However, many hoons are yet to get the message as the weather heats up.
The Daily Telegraph observed jetski riders talking on their phones, taking selfies, riding without life vests, doing donuts, driving dangerously close to swimmers and other boats and speeding well above the limit in the Port Hacking River, the Georges River and Botany Bay.
At Lilli Pilli Point a man without a life vest was seen talking on the phone and driving his jetski with one hand around several boats and swimmers nearby.
At Brighton Le Sands jetskis were seen mingling with swimmers, including small children, in a tightly packed spot near the netted baths.
Competitive jetski rider Tom Aiken was also recently convicted after he rode a jetski out of the river at Grays Point, up the boat ramp and into the carpark at alarming speeds.
Fines for offences such as not wearing a life vest, not keeping a safe distance from other boar users and swimmers, and irregular driving such as doughnuts start at $250 and are as steep as $750.
NSW Police Force Marine Area Commander Mark Hutchings said the MAC used jetskis themselves to enforce maritime laws, conduct random breath and drug tests and carry out safety checks.
“The Marine Enforcement Team is able to respond to incidents quickly and can proactively target anti-social behaviour on our waterways,” Det Supt Hutchings said.
“We want jet ski riders to enjoy the sport safely, however, dangerous riding will not be tolerated.”
Bayside resident Tina Workman said she had no issue with jetski riders as long as they observed exclusion zones.
“Families seem to delight in their dads or brothers doing quick turns on the water close to them in order to splash them – one wrong move is all it would take to kill a whole family,” Ms Workman said.
“The best solution would be an exclusive zone similar to the dog beach. That way, the jetskis are catered for but swimmers can choose to go there or not.”
Fellow resident Carmenita Green also had a positive view of local jetski riders.
“From where I see them, they’ve been on their best behaviour,” Ms Green said.
“(They’ve been) friendly and cautious.”
Bayside resident Maria Hill said she thought the jetskis were “pretty cool”.
“If I owned one I would love to have fun with it and enjoy the water,” she said.
However, local residents also complained of loud music, dangerous speeds and disrespect from jetski users across Sydney.
“They are too encroaching on the swimmers and come into the beach like it’s their own driveway,” Bayside resident Josette Sookie said.
“I hate them.”
Fellow Bayside resident Claudia Sanchez said many riders were disrespectful, noisy and rude.
“I’ve been in the water when they deliberately come close to make waves,” Ms Sanchez said.
“They should be much further out so they don’t annoy everyone else.”
Sutherland Shire resident Rebecca Jackson said speed was a significant issue for both jetskis and boats.
“In any Bay in the Port Hacking boats and jetskis fang through the moored boats at more than eight knots,” Ms Jackson said.
“It’s so dangerous for anyone swimming and the wash it creates.”
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