Lagoon Accident Warning

[mrmoshe]

Lagoon accident warning

JETSKIS and fast boats could be banned from Narrabeen Lagoon altogether unless their owners observe the 8-knot speed limit.

Warringah and Pittwater councils are concerned about the behaviour of jetskiers who are placing other people on the lagoon at risk and scaring off swans and pelicans.

There are no restrictions on jetskis on the lagoon at the moment and enforcing speed limits is the responsibility of NSW Maritime.

The problem also includes boats with motors, some of which are driven well above the 8-knot speed limit.

A Narrabeen resident who frequently paddles on the lagoon said her party was forced to seek safety on Wimbledon Island on Saturday because a jetski was ferrying people from Wimbledon Ave to Robertson Rd for two hours. She said the jetskier was travelling close to 20 knots on each trip.

``My greatest concern was for a large party of young girls who had hired kayaks,'' she said.

``It's not just the jetskis but also the kids skurfing behind tinnies, especially when they go around the island.

``It's an accident waiting to happen.''

Pittwater Mayor David James said the reports he had received were serious.

``We received reports that several jetskis were travelling well in excess of the 8-knot limit and almost overturning other craft,'' he said. ``With the arrival of warmer weather there are a lot more people kayaking and canoeing.

``People in boats and jetskis on the lagoon need to ensure that they give way to slower craft and observe the 8-knot speed limit.''

Pro Kayaks manager Gavin James said young people skurfing behind tinnies were a major problem because of the speed the boat needed to reach before the rider could stand up.

``You need to be going about 15 knots to get someone up,'' he said.

``They can be a real problem if they get too close to people in kayaks and canoes.''

Warringah Council administrator Dick Persson said swans, including a breeding pair, and pelicans could be scared away from their habitat by speeding boats or jetskis.

Mr Persson and Cr James said a ban on jetskis might be introduced if the problem continued.