Keep the jet-ski hoons off our bay

THERE are many ways to enjoy our magnificent beaches.

Whether your favourite beach activity is to read a book, take a leisurely stroll, some beach cricket, surfing, snorkelling or boating, people of all ages are able to enjoy our coast in many, varied ways.

And beachgoers are by and large respectful of each other’s chosen pursuit and of the environment we are all so lucky to enjoy. But there is always an exception. For many years now personal watercraft, commonly referred to as jet-skis, have been a source of concern to public safety and wildlife officials.

You don’t have to be a member of the fun police to see the obvious dangers that come with riding a high-powered watercraft at high speed through busy waters and while there are many people who heed the law and use jet-skis in a responsible manner, there are plenty who don’t.

Many beachgoers will have seen jet-skis hooning across our bay, close to swimmers, snorkellers and other law-abiding water users.

Now it is revealed that two marine animals were recently killed — seemingly by high-powered marine craft — including a young dolphin that washed up at Queenscliff with a fractured skull earlier this year.

Boats are not permitted to approach within 100m of a dolphin or 200m of a whale, while jet-skis are not allowed within 300m of either a whale or dolphin. For such a death to occur, somebody obviously wasn’t following the rules.

There’s no doubting that jet-skis are popular and can be a lot of fun when driven responsibly. But current licensing rules mean that prospective riders need only pass an eyesight and a written multiplechoice test to get their licence

Late last year the current Act was changed to prohibit children under 16 from driving a jet-ski unsupervised. But it is still too easy for irresponsible and even unskilled drivers to be given the all-clear to drive one of their dangerous machines on our bay.

We force car drivers to take an on-road test and make truck drivers prove their skill behind the wheel. It is time to adopt tougher testing for personal watercraft licences to protect both our children and the wildlife that call our bay home.