PathMinder
PathMinder Pty Ltd have partnered with AllUser Industries srl to bring Europe’s most advanced high security portals to the Australian and New Zealand markets. AllUser Industries started to…
read moreParties are demanding a greater separation of swimmers and jet-skiers in Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay after a man struck and injured while swimming off Port Melbourne on Friday died in hospital.
Port Phillip Mayor Rachel Powning said the Council received "endless" complaints about jet-skis in Port Phillip Bay, despite its jurisdiction ending at the water's edge, where Parks Victoria takes over.
Mayor Powning told The Age newspaper "our preference would be for dedicated jet-ski areas. We don't have a preference for the mixed zones, of which there are currently many."
The present zones were drawn up in 2009 when laws were introduced to stamp out jet-skiers putting swimmers at risk.
However, Port Melbourne Yacht Club Commodore John Carrig, said he saw jet-skiers behaving inappropriately on the water "every day", adding "we see them going fast when they shouldn't be, in areas where they shouldn't be.
Carrig added "they annoy us on the water regularly and they are not aware, which is patently dangerous.
"Swimmers must be careful and cautious but the power is in the hands of the jet-skier."
The swimmer, 51, whose family were on the beach at the time, died in The Alfred hospital on Sunday after sustaining severe head injuries.
The Age quoted a police source saying that the two men aboard the jet-ski entered a restricted zone 200 metres from the shore near Lagoon Pier about 5.50pm. The two men were allegedly warned to leave the area by two fishermen on the pier.
Police are investigating whether the deceased was swimming in the protected area between Lagoon Pier and Kerferd Road but confirmed speed was a factor.
Senior Constable Stephen Carter said jet-skiers were "a problem right around the bay", adding "we do have issues with jet-skiers over summer.
"It's probably just a small percentage - but we do have issues with certain jet-skiers."
Beach users told The Age that recreational jet-skiers were innately unpredictable compared with other craft, likening their activity to "show boating".
Mayor Powning agrees, stating "they are obviously powerful machines and we would certainly like to not see them on those beaches where there are a lot of people coming to swim.
"We'd like the opportunity to sit down with Parks Victoria and have a look at the way the whole system is operating.
"The foreshore areas should be primarily for swimmers, particularly in the inner-city areas where it's heavily populated and heavily used."
Vicki Karalis of the Sandringham Foreshore Association said it was time for laws affecting jet-skis to be reviewed. She said new restrictions were needed near crowded beaches, along with more markers, stating "we don't want to wait for another disaster before authorities act."
Image courtesy of City of Port Phillip. Image used for illustrative purporses only.
1st December 2009 - $440 MILLION DEVELOPMENT PLANNED FOR WYNDHAM HARBOUR
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
PathMinder Pty Ltd have partnered with AllUser Industries srl to bring Europe’s most advanced high security portals to the Australian and New Zealand markets. AllUser Industries started to…
read moreGoplay designs and manufactures specialised playground equipment for indoor play centres, hotels, food chains, clubs and resorts. If our years of experience and dedication have taught us one thing,…
read moreAflex Inflatables are the leaders for obstacle courses, pool toys, waterparks and land-based watersides and fitness runs. They are industry leaders offering the widest range of pool, lake and beach…
read moreStadiums and venues around the world recognise that success hinges on more than just what happens on the pitch. More than ever, fan engagement within each facility is a critical part of the overall…
read moreCommercial gym equipment supplier Aussie Strength was wound up at the end of 2022. .aussie p { padding:20px; }
read moreATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…
read moreHidroplay welcomes you to the exciting world of children's Playscapes, waterslide's and Water Attractions. Appealing to families, Hidroplay increases patronage in your facility during those…
read moreTicketSearch is focused on providing businesses, organisations, and venues with affordable, efficient, and powerful self-managed ticketing solutions. The organisation has offices in Australia, New…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!