Central Coast wants to crackdown on speeding jetski hoons
DUBBED the “BMX Bandits of the sea”, marine rescuers and surf lifesavers are calling for a crackdown on jetski hoons after reports of near misses with swimmers at Central Coast beaches.
Marine Rescue Terrigal Deputy Unit Commander Czes Lawicki said jetskiers were blatantly flouting the rules and not sticking to the speed limit, citing the recent Australia Day long weekend as the worst he had seen.
Mr Lawicki said it was only a matter of time before there was a serious accident and called for more restrictions and improved signage in a bid to curb dangerous jetski riding at Terrigal Haven.
“There are a lot of snorkellers and divers out there in the water, who aren’t always seen,” Mr Lawicki said.
Broken Bay Water Police Senior Sergeant Chris Morgan said he had to issue warnings to jetski riders on the coast “on a weekly basis”.
“Jet-skis are capable of speeds up to 100km/h and are very powerful vessels,” Sgt Morgan said.“That’s part of the fun and we’re mindful of that. But jetski accidents almost always involve a fatality or grievous injury.”
He said the majority of complaints came from Terrigal Haven, Umina Beach, Ocean Beach and Ettalong and fines ranged from several hundred dollars and going into thousands for repeat offenders.
“Most fines are issued for not being licensed and irregular riding, such as jumping and doing doughnuts,” he said.
Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club President Paul Quick said the situation “was an accident waiting to happen”.
He called for more education around restriction zones. “People don’t tend to read the signs,” Mr Quick said.
Competitive freestyle jetski rider Keaton Watts, of Terrigal, said jetski riders often got a bad rap.
“Everyone hates us and we do have an unfair reputation but I always try to do the right thing,” said Mr Watts, 28, who is training for the jetski freestyle world titles being held on the Gold Coast in March.
“Unfortunately there are just a few d—heads ruining it for everyone else.
“Most of the riders creating problems are from Sydney or here on holiday.
“The rules are not that hard to follow. There is plenty of room out there, but some jetski riders aren’t sticking to the speed.”
Mr Watts grew up as a lifesaver and lifeguard and always rides wearing a helmet and lifejacket.
“You’ve got to remember that jetskis are a lot more dangerous and twice as fast as cars,” he said.
“It’s important to have respect for swimmers and other boats in the water — we have to share the beach with everyone.”
Jetski riders are required to hold a valid personal water craft (PwC) licence.
Last year there were 46,505 PwC licences issued in NSW — up eight per cent on the year before.
