“The residents – we’ve had enough,” Troussas said. “There are young children, families … we’re all terrified to go in the water during summer, which is the nicest time to go to the beach.”
“We’re sick of it,” she said. “If you go down to Bronte, Bondi, Clovelly, there’s none of that there. So why do we have to put up with the jet-skis?”
Alese Troussas is cautious when her 10-year-old son, Alexander, swims at their local beach due to fears of dangerous jet-ski riders.Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
To ride a jet-ski in NSW, you are required to drive 60 metres from the shoreline, amid other rules outlined in the personal watercraft handbook. However, in a restricted area, which includes Botany Bay, Hawkesbury River and Port Hacking, you must be 200 metres from the shoreline. Prohibited areas include Sydney Harbour and Yarra Bay, Frenchmans Bay and Congwong Beach.
While rates of jet-ski accidents are trending down, according to the latest report by Transport for NSW, they are over-represented in the number of serious injuries compared to other watercraft.
“Over the 10-year period to 30 June 2022, [jet-skis] were involved in 16.6 per cent of the recreational serious injury incidents recorded, but accounted for an average of only around 5.8 per cent of registered recreational vessels,” the report said. “The overwhelming majority of the serious injury incidents involving [jet-skis] are trauma-related, as evidenced by their very high involvement in collisions.”
Transport for NSW Maritime is also seeking to overhaul the state’s jet-ski licensing framework to include higher age limits, practical training and experience requirements.
Bayside Council said it does not have authority over waterways, but it “in principle” supports a state-led crackdown using CCTV of dangerous riders.
“Summer sees an increase in the use of jet-skis in Botany Bay and the Georges River. We love our bay, and we can all do our part to keep it safe,” a spokesperson said.
“Residents can report incidents or concerns about unsafe behaviour on the water by contacting Maritime NSW on 13 12 36.”
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