Gold Coast jetski riders fined after breaking law during TC Oma swell
Daredevils using jetskis to access big waves have been put on notice after a number of fines were issued in the wake of large surf generated by Tropical Cyclone Oma.
Beaches & Fishing
Don't miss out on the headlines from Beaches & Fishing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
DAREDEVILS using jetskis to tow surfers into big waves are on notice after multiple fines were dished out in the wake of large surf generated by Cyclone Oma.
Up to 25 fines were issued to jetski riders this week for breaking maritime laws while towing surfers into big waves at Kirra, Currumbin and Burleigh Heads last weekend.
Many within the Gold Coast surfing community believe the fines are well overdue after reports of “cowboy” jetski riders putting lives at risk in big swell
CYCLONE OMA BRINGS HUGE WAVES TO COAST
Gold Coast Surfing Reserve chairman and local identity Andy McKinnon said he supported the fines — which ranged between $251 to $391.
OTHER NEWS:
RFG confirms it will sell Donut King and more
Claims cops involved in lewd misuse of police car
Dozens of planes could use ILS each day
“I don’t think they are excessive. They need to be in place so everybody gets a fair go,” Mr McKinnon
“At the start of the last swell there were skis in the line-up at Kirra despite it being only four to six foot.
“A lot of people were really upset there were so many jetskis out there. If you’ve got 10 jetskis out in one point break then that is excessive. If they break the rules they should be fined.”
However Mr McKinnon said if the surf was too large to be ridden without assistance, those using jetskis should be given exemption.
A Marine Safety Queensland spokesman confirmed officers used surveillance footage to catch PWC riders breaking the law.
GALLERY: SURFERS FLOCK TO CYCLONE SWELL
“Maritime Safety Queensland officers responded to ongoing complaints made by surfers at Burleigh Heads, Kirra and Snapper Rocks about unsafe behaviour by some personal watercraft (PWC) riders,’ the spokesman said.
“They carried out camera surveillance last Friday of PWCs operating among surfers at Kirra Point.”
Between 12 to 14 PWC were seen carrying out tow-in surfing among at least 12 paddle surfers at Kirra, the spokesman said.
“About 25 infringement notices have been issued at this stage and most have been posted out this week.”
SUBSCRIBE TO THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN — JUST $1 FOR THE FIRST 28 DAYS
It is expected there may be more notices issued as the review of surveillance footage continues.
Offences recorded included jetskis operated within 60 metres of paddle surfers at speeds greater than six knots and other breaches of tow surfing requirements including not wearing life jackets and not having rescue boards.
The fines come after a historic swell event on the Gold Coast with many pro surfers witnessed using jetskis to catch the waves.
It is unclear if any pro surfers were caught up in the fine blitz.