Leslie Dam safety warning

Water safety expert warns our skiers and fishermen

A WATER safety expert has warned of increased risk surrounding the use of Leslie Dam as water activity ramps up, despite the recent implementation of a new six-knot zone.

Boatsafe training instructor and former water police officer Andrew Gale warned a smaller water surface area as a result of drought would increase the competition between boats.

Mr Gale said boaters should be aware of the increased risks, despite the installation last week of signs declaring a new six-knot zone.

“I am happy they have decided to implement this because there is going to be conflict between water skiers, fishermen and kayakers. That conflict is going to continue to occur in more frequency as the surface area dwindles,” he said.

The new rules apply to speedy vessels, which will be splashed with hefty fines if they exceed 11km/h in the zone between the existing speed signs and the dam wall.

Anglers and kayakers will be able to use the zone without the interruption of other vessels travelling at high speeds.

But Mr Gale said current boating legislation put the onus on users to make risks assessments for the safety of all watercraft users.

“It is very good legislation but it makes the assumption that people are going to go out of their way to do the right thing,” Mr Gale said.

At present there are no laws that limit the number of boats that can be on the water at one time.

“There are pros and cons with that sort of system because it relies on everyone making an effort to do the right thing,” Mr Gale said.

“People need to look at the situation and ask ‘is it safe for me to go out there?’

“There is more risk now because the same amount of vessels are using the dam, but less water brings vessels closer together and there is greater chance for conflict.”