Boats threaten safety of young children's beach
I live in Sydney and visit Ettalong Beach regularly, and have done for more than 60 years.
I own an apartment here.
On Friday, December 27, I was appalled to see a rather large power boat come into the beach right where children regularly play, just outside Box on the Water.
After letting off their passengers, the boat was turned around and motored off again.
The photo shows the boat involved and the children nearby.
This is just within a couple of metres of infants and toddlers in the water swimming nearby.
A couple of days later, there were many more people and small children on the beach again and two jet skis were parked right among the bathers at the waters edge at the vicinity of the Box on the Water.
Ettalong Beach used to be regarded as a safe beach for very young children but these boats make it extremely dangerous now.
How is this allowed?
The NSW boating safe distance web page states: "All vessels must keep a safe distance from people, other vessels, structures and the shore.
"A safe distance gives you enough space to avoid a collision, injury to people, or damage to things.
"Powered vessels - including sailing boats over 5.5m long and personal watercraft - must keep a minimum distance of 60m from ... people in the water, including swimming and surfing areas."
Why is this not enforced and offenders not penalized for encroaching on such swimming beaches?
SOURCE:
Email, 27 Dec 2023
Paul Robinson, Castle Hill