With jet skis widely used on Central Coast waterways, Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch has thrown her support behind Operation Stay Afloat, a statewide blitz in which NSW Maritime officers will stress safety to jet skiers.
“The Central Coast’s beautiful waterways are one of the things that make the Coast such a wonderful place to live,” Tesch said.
“While we are out and about on the water this Summer, it’s important to remember that our beaches and waterways are there for everyone to enjoy.
“I am always thrilled to see people get out and enjoy the water in new ways and encourage everyone to enjoy our stunning maritime landscapes.
“However please remember, safety always comes first.
“Be mindful of those around you in the water, making sure that everyone can stay cool and safe on our beautiful waterways this summer.”
Member for Swansea and Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley stressed that a fun day on the water shouldn’t turn into a tragedy.
“It’s great we’re seeing locals enjoy our Hunter waterways (including Lake Macquarie) on jet skis, including young people,” she said.
“But we need them to look after themselves, and each other.
“Safety and compliance are the priorities.
“When you take out a jet ski, just like anything on the water, follow the rules so everyone can relax and enjoy themselves.”
Transport Minister Jo Haylen was out on the George’s River with Maritime crews on January 8, stressing the responsible use of jet skis.
“Jet skis are a lot of fun, but they’ve got to be used responsibly,” she said.
“The best way to enjoy a day out on a jet ski is to plan your adventure, pack essentials like water, food and sunscreen, wear a lifejacket and stick to the rules.
“It’s great to see a new generation enjoying our beautiful waterways, but inexperience means they need to be extra vigilant when it comes to safety.
“Dangerous driving can be deadly, so ski carefully and look out for yourself and others.”
As part of the safety and educational campaign aimed at driving home the importance of responsible riding on the state’s waterways, NSW Maritime crews recently conducted more than 2000 vessel safety checks.
While 87 per cent of boat and jet-ski operators were found to be complying with all licence and safety requirements, NSW Maritime issued 186 official warnings and 81 penalty notices.
Of these, 31.4 per cent were issued for not wearing or carrying a lifejacket, 27.7 per cent were for unlicenced drivers or unregistered vessels and 11.2 per cent were for speeding.
The move follows a year in which jet ski-related offences were on the rise.
There were 1560 jet ski offences recorded in NSW during 2023, up 53 per cent on the previous year’s 1023 infringements.
Speeding made up almost 30 per cent of offences recorded.
The popularity of jet skis and personal watercraft has soared over the last four years, with over 90,000 licenced riders in NSW, an increase of over 35 per cent since 2020.
The largest jump in jet ski licences has been among Generation Z, those born between 1995 and 2010.
There are more than 23,000 licenced riders aged between 13 and 28 in NSW, an increase of 22 per cent on this time last year.
The Central Coast is one of the top five Local Government Areas for newly issued licences, with the others being Canterbury-Bankstown, Sutherland Shire, Lake Macquarie and the Northern Beaches.
For more information on jet ski safety, check out: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/waterways-safety-and-rules/resources/pwc-handbook
Jet ski that are rented out should all be fitted with a unit called JetskiBuddy it is fitted to the JetSki and by satellite it controls the speed and the distance between jet skis if one comes to close it automatically shuts down the speed until the set distance is maintained again it also controls the time that the JetSki is hired for, these unit come from the USA and are available in Australia and NZ.
There are a lot of jet ski riders at Ettalong, who come in fast around swimmers down near the Box, where it was once extremely safe for small children. Not so now.
The worst offenders,watch to see when waterways leave,especially after 3pm.
It’s no good having these blitzes, it needs consistent monitoring.
I agree with you Ros. Small children and other swimmers don’t feel safe anymore with the increase of some rowdy jet ski riders. Ettalong is supposed to be a child friendly beach and whereas we’re all meant to share the goodies of the nature, you see “Might is right” in the absence of orderly checks and policing.
I live at Forster Tuncurry and in the hiloliday periodcwe had up to 40 jet skiers around Wallis Lake, home to our dophins and babies at this time of year. Many instances of a few riding over dolphons and harrassing them. the hot line to complain has been used frequently. There ate only 5 water police between Sydney n Port Macquarie, not enough to be keeping us all safe with these hoons.
This summer and most weekends down at Ettalong boat ramp area used to be an enjoyable place for families , the elderly, kids wanting to swim and dog owners.
it is horrible down there now being over taken with massive groups of jet ski owners taking up the whole space.scared to swim as there’s so many jet skis.
they are not abiding by water ways rules and the once peaceful surroundings are now filled with the noise of the jet skis horrible 😢
Small children and other swimmers don’t feel safe anymore with the increase of some rowdy jet ski riders. Ettalong Beach is supposed to be a child friendly beach and whereas we’re all meant to share the goodies of the nature, you see “Might is right” in the absence of orderly checks and policing.
I ride my ski down from Gosford and go out fishing. we’ve never had any issues or caused dramas. unfortunately yet another minority ruining for majority in your eyes.
Made no difference at Ettalong because there is no policing of your policies.
I ride frequently in the Ettalong area .Jet ski that is .I’ve been riding there for over 8 years in that time I’ve pulled out of the water 3 kyakers and 2 swimmers possibly at the minimum saving them from hypothermia. I see PLENTY of bad behaviour on small tinnies or bow riders and I will not ride any where near these guys as a lot of them are inexperienced or plain don’t know the rules..