Use CCTV and speed cameras on jetski cowboys

I live on the Peninsula and I am writing to you regarding your article dated March 4: Association writes to the premier about jetskis.

I am part of a group of mature-aged powered water craft riders that live on the Central Coast called Central Coast Old Seals.

We call ourselves Old Seals because we are old, as the average age of those who ride with us is over 50 years old.

I do understand there is a problem with what we call Jetski Cowboys who have no respect for the waterway rules and less respect for safety to swimmers and other boats on the water.

Over the years of living on the Central Coast and being a licence-holder and part of The Old Seals, we have come to the assistance, on many occasion, of others such as distressed swimmers, boats broken down, capsized kayaks, taking persons back to shore and many tourists stuck on sand banks in rented vessels.

Our group always respect the authorities such as NSW Waterways Officers, NSW Water Police and Marine Rescue.

Whenever we notice there is a Waterways or NSW Water Police we always approach and offer our licences for inspection and have always been welcomed and appreciated by both Waterways and Police.

The majority of what we call Jetski Cowboys come from outside the Central Coast area.

Since the George River in Sydney's South has had a crackdown on Jetski Cowboys, a large number of riders are taking over Ettalong Beach on weekends and public holidays so we tend to stay clear of using our jetskis on public holidays.

I feel it would be unjust and unfair that riders who live on the Central Coast who have respect for the rules and regulations and authorities have to be punished by having unfair restrictions.

I feel extra police, not only on the water but on the beaches like Ettalong and Waterways patrols with the possibility of CCTV and speed cameras would be a fairer solution to this growing problem.

Email, 16 Mar 2017

George Galea, Ettalong