Water users meet to seek 'harmonious co-existence'
Representatives of local surfers, paddlers and swimmers have come together with representatives of the local jetski community in a meeting with Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch to seek "harmonious co-existence".
A coalition of local waterways users wrote to Ms Tesch in December seeking a meeting, said one of the instigators, Mr Tony Trichter from the Umina Beach Malibu Club.
Mr Trichter said: "Peninsula surfers, paddlers and swimmers are fed up with the reckless behaviour of some jet ski riders.
"In response to growing concerns for their safety, we sought a meeting to discuss a raft of strategies for addressing the problem.
"The meeting was also attended by representatives of the local jet ski community, who, it appears, are equally concerned about reining in unruly, illegal and anti-social behaviour by some jet ski riders.
"The group is in strong agreement that the way to improving safety in the water is by promoting respectful and harmonious co-existence between all users of our waterways, be they swimmers, surfers or jet ski riders.
"Legislative change, however, has not been ruled out, and several suggestions have been put forward."
Mr Trichter said there had been frequent near misses between jet ski riders ignoring the law that prohibits them from passing within 60 metres of any person in the water.
Announcing a weekend blitz on February 27, Member for Terrigal Mr Adam Crouch said: "We've seen some really disruptive and dangerous behavior from jetski riders recently.
"It goes without saying, boating rules have been designed to keep everyone safe.
"Any unsafe behaviour can put others at risk and create a bad reputation for the majority of users who do the right thing."
Mr Crouch said: "Since May we've seen more than 9076 new jetski licences issued, that's up more than 90 per cent for the same period in the previous year."
He said the blitz was focused on ensuring new jetski riders are aware of the rules.
"Education is key to reducing risk and increasing safety, particularly with the influx of new riders learning to navigate the waterways," Mr Crouch said.
SOURCE:
Media statement, 22 Feb 2021
Tony Trichter, Umina Beach Malibu Club
Media release, 27 Feb 2021
Adam Crouch, Member for Terrigal