Do something before we have a fatality
I wholeheartedly support Betty Lovell (PN560, January 9) in her warning that we are being "invaded by jet skis" on Brisbane Water and, in particular, Ettalong Beach.
In my 50-odd years of boating, I have never experienced such wild, reckless and dangerous boating as these past few weeks since Christmas.
Only last weekend, I was twice cut across the bow at speed by jet skis screaming past.
Additionally, three approaching boats failed to observe the port-to-port rules and only my experience prevented what could have been a serious accident.
At week-ends, we have visitors and many amateur skippers on the waters - some unlicensed!
Jet skis fly down the main channel under the Rip Bridge and along St Hubert's Island at maximum speed creating excessive noise and danger to family boating and pelicans and other bird life.
Off Ettalong Beach, they are a very real threat to swimmers and especially children.
Yes, I must agree that something must be done now by the Maritime Authority and Water Police before we have a fatality.
SOURCE:
Email, 18 Jan 2023
Cliff Ventris, Woy Woy