The high number of boating infringements involving jetskis has prompted the Department of Transport (DoT) to implement an education campaign.
Director of Waterways Safety Management at the Department, Chris Mather said there had been a concerning increase in the percentage of infringements issued to jetski operators in recent years.
Mr Mather said infringements had climbed from 19 per cent to 36 per cent in the past five years, while the craft ratio rose only one per cent (6.6 per cent to 7.6 per cent of total registered vessels).
He said a targeted education campaign would reinforce responsible use of jetskis, which are also known as personal water craft (PWC), highlighting the consequences of taking risks and not sharing the water safely.
“Data for the past two years shows the two most common infringements issued to PWC operators are failure to wear a lifejacket and speeding, accounting for nearly 60 per cent of infringements issued, while 12 per cent were for freestyle riding in a prohibited area,” Mr Mather said.
“Every person on board a PWC must wear a lifejacket at all times to the required standard for the area of operation and adhere to all applicable speed limits, even while operating within dedicated freestyle areas such as the PWC area near the Narrows Bridge on the Swan River.”
He said while the majority of users complied, there were increasing numbers of PWC operators endangering the lives of other water users by flouting the rules and being complacent about safety.
“This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed,” Mr Mather said.
“The campaign will include work to highlight the safety requirements for PWC at the point of sale and at boat ramps, particularly dedicated PWC facilities.”
Mr Mather said riders would also be encouraged to visit the Department’s website to check lifejacket and other safety equipment requirements for PWC.
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