Locals and holidaymakers alike are calling for more speed restrictions for boaties and jet skis on the Myall.

“I understand that recently 12 Jet Skis were observed to be racing on the Myall River and I personally have witnessed 11 Jet Skis racing from between the Yacaaba/Tomaree Heads to the mouth of the Myall,” Winda Woppa resident Ken Garrard told News Of The Area.

“In both these cases, with Jet Skis speeding at near or over 100 kph, the chances for survival of a dolphin, turtle, fairy penguin or whatever is sunning themselves near the surface after being struck are very low, if not non-existent,” Ken said.

‘’So many times, living on The Boulevarde, we witness Jet Ski pilots travelling at speed very close to shore, within ten metres, and close to children playing in the water.’’

“It will only take one child to dive under the surface, not be noticed by a Jet Ski pilot at speed and we will have a tragedy on our hands.’’

Peter Rogers and Cathy Wagner have been regular holidaymakers to Hawks Nest for the past 20 years.

“We have our Jet Ski because we like to potter around,” Cathy said.

“We don’t go out to hoon around, we go out to explore, to see the marine life, the dolphins.”

“Up the river it’s sensational, you go by the old camp ground and everyone waves.”

‘’Maritime Services need to police it better,” Peter Rogers said.

Peter would also like to see an eight-knot speed limit from the Singing Bridge to the turn just past the Hawks Nest Wharf.
“Most of the modern Jet Skis have cruise control; you can set it at four knots and there’s no wash,” Peter said.

Ken Garrard wants to go further.

“It is time for the community to rise with a single voice to say, “These behaviours are unacceptable; we need to put measures in place to curb the behaviours including speed limits, limits on beach landings, racing, riding abreast and then we need to police it to ensure compliance.”

Jet Ski and Boating rules, regulations and licensing details can be found on the Roads and Maritime Services website.

By Margie TIERNEY