From Wednesday 24 December, specified areas of high-use swimming locations including Dutchman’s Beach, Nelson Bay Beach (Fly Point) and Shoal Bay will be designated zones where powered vessels – including personal watercraft such as jet skis – will be temporarily restricted.
This trial will run across the peak period to Monday, 26 January and is designed to test whether localised safety zones can reduce risk for all local waterway users.
The majority of the three beach locations will remain the same with only 800 meters of the 3.2km of beachfront allocated as powered vessel free zones.
Beachgoers are still free to swim wherever they choose.
During the trial all powered vessels must stay at least 30m from the shoreline. Clear signage will be installed at all trial sites and nearby launch points.
The trial is important as in NSW jet ski ownership has climbed by nearly 23 per cent over the last five years and licenses have surged by 38 per cent.
This rise has led to concerns about the safe sharing of crowded beaches with swimmers and paddlers during peak holiday seasons.
At the same time it is estimated that over the Christmas and summer holiday period, Port Stephens experiences an increase of approximately 50,000 to 150,000 residents. On top of that up to 30,000 day visitors flock to the area.
Throughout the trial period NSW Maritime will be connecting with water users, the community and local businesses to collect feedback on the safety measures.
NSW Police Marine Area Command vessels will also be patrolling the waterways educating and engaging with users to ensure everyone is safe.
The community is encouraged to provide feedback on the trial through the Have You Say website here or via QR codes on signage displayed at each trial location.
For more information including details on the trial zone locations visit here.
Executive Director Transport for NSW Maritime, Mark Hutchings said:
“This trial is a practical way to test solutions in response to community concerns. We’ve heard consistent feedback about safety and amenity issues on our busy waterways and this trial is a direct response.
“The trial will be independently evaluated and feedback gathered will inform how we manage safety of these high-use waterways into the future.
“I strongly encourage the local community to provide feedback on the trial through the Have You Say website or via QR codes on the signage displayed at each location.
“Port Stephens has some of our state’s most popular waterways and beaches. This trial is about keeping everyone safe while enjoying the water regardless of what activity they’re doing.
“There are extensive areas across Port Stephens where powered vessels can operate safely and responsibly. This trial focuses only on a few high-use swimming and recreation areas.
“Our Boating Safety Officers will be working with NSW Police Marine Area Command on the water to educate the community about the trial and encourage compliance from powered vessel users.”
NSW Police Marine Area Command, Superintendent Joseph McNulty said:
“Marine Area Command officers will be out in force on waterways in Port Stephens over summer to keep people safe and to ensure they are complying with the rules.
“Our priority is ensuring everyone who wants to enjoy the water – whether they are a swimmer or paddler, or on a powered vessel or boat – can do so safely.
“While most powered vessel operators do the right thing, we have seen some users riding dangerously or recklessly.
“Our focus will be on educating jet ski riders about the new restrictions, but we will take enforcement action when required.”