Learn to make personal watercraft safety a priority this summer

by Mairata Neena on 19 Dec 2014 Transport for NSW Maritime Management Centre today announced a community education program this summer to promote safe and responsible use of personal watercraft (PWC).

Following the success of the ‘Take it Easy’ campaign in 2013, comedians Rob Shehadie and Tahir Bilgic will join Roads and Maritime Services Boating Education Officers at six beachside events for the communities of Brighton-Le-Sands and Revesby.

'All watercraft operators must be extra careful when they are around people, either by the waterfront or swimming. It is important that people riding PWC know and observe the rules for safe and responsible boating,' Maritime Management Centre General Manager Mr Howard Glenn said.

'By being alert and applying care, courtesy and common sense, riders can have fun while respecting others.'

This summer events will be held at lunchtime on the following dates:

• Saturday 10th January at Brighton-Le-Sands beach
• Sunday 11th January at Revesby beach
• Sunday 18th January at Revesby beach
• Monday 26th January at Brighton-Le-Sands beach
• Sunday eighth February at Revesby beach
• Sunday 15th February at Brighton-Le-Sands beach

Both the PWC Safety campaign ambassadors and the Boating Safety Officers will be reminding people at these events that when on the water it is important to carry your license, wear a lifejacket, stay to the speed limit and keep a safe distance clear of people in the water and other craft.

There will also be photo opportunities with Rob and Tahir, a chance to view their latest YouTube videos about PWC safety and also hear some tips for staying safe on the water.

This year Rockdale and Bankstown City Councils are partnering with the Maritime Management Centre to help deliver the safe boating message to their local communities

Mr Glenn said complaints about PWC have declined over the past decade but they still remain relatively high when compared to other types of boating activities.

Over the past 10 years in NSW there have been 167 incidents resulting in 53 serious injuries and five fatalities related to the use of PWC.

For more information on PWC safe riding tips or how to gain your PWC licence, please click here.