On watch: Water Police Squad Senior Constables Damon Patralakis and Matthew Webb are part of the team keeping tabs on Bellarine Peninsula jet ski use.
MICHELLE HERBISON
A NEW lobbying drive will ask for designated jet ski areas away from swimmers at St Leonards, a community group has revealed.
The push follows Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville raising jet ski safety issues in parliament last week.
St Leonards Progress Associa-tion secretary Paul Sproules said the organisation would write to ministers seeking a jet ski area away from swimmers.
Mr Sproules said the association would also ask Parks Victoria to investigate safety and environmental issues surrounding jet skis.
“There’s a need to have specified designated areas for jet ski use so there’s no impact on families that want to swim,” he said.
“It’s not like we’re trying to ban jet skis. We’re just trying to give them a safe area for operation that’s environmentally friendly.”
Mr Sproule said he had drafted a letter for Parks Victoria, Environment Minister Ryan Smith, Sport and Recreation Minister Hugh Delahunty, Police Minister Peter Ryan and Ms Neville.
Ms Neville urged Environ-ment Minister Ryan Smith in parliament to consult communities about managing jet ski use.
“It’s often only a few irresponsible people using PWCs (personal water craft) who’re threatening the safe enjoyment of local beaches,” she said.
“Some people want PWCs banned altogether. However, others say PWC users are welcome and an important part of the local tourism industry.”
Mr Smith said he supported regulations on jet ski use.
“I’m certainly happy to address the specific concerns that any of (Ms Neville’s) community groups might like to raise with me in that regard,” he said.
Water Police Acting Senior Sergeant Mark O’Rourke said jet skis coming close to swimmers was a “significant issue” along the Victorian coast.
“The majority of people that ride jet skis do the right thing and it’s a small minority that cause the problems.
“They can get close to the shore and ride up to the beach, so I can understand the community having issues with that.”
Snr Sgt O’Rourke backed the lobbying effort.
“You have to go five knots or less within 50 metres of a swimmer but jet skis are designed to go fast and sometimes people can’t help themselves.”
Snr Sgt O’Rourke said water police regularly patrolled the St Leonards area throughout summer.
