Jet skis and PWC the target for NSW Maritime 'Ride Right' campaign

by Jeni Bone on 27 Dec 2010 Antisocial and plain dangerous behaviour on the water are the targets of a NSW Maritime campaign launching this week to highlight the responsibilities of jet skiers around other waterway users.

The 'Ride Right' safety campaign is an attempt to improve jet skiers behaviour and every licence holder is to be sent an education pack.

The number of jet ski licences has risen by more than 20% in the past three years. They account for less than 8 per cent of all boating licences but generated almost 15% of complaints to NSW Maritime's infoline, with most about excessive speed or coming too close to others in or on the water.

The PWC safety package includes a DVD, a mobile phone pouch, a new behaviour sticker that was compulsory to attach to all PWC, a flier, a booklet outlining safety requirements and website, all aimed at promoting safe and responsible use of the craft.

Two-time world surfing champion Tom Carroll and five-time world PWC champion Kylie Ellmers have been named 'Safety Ambassadors' for Ride Right.

Tom is professional waterman and uses a PWC with his Storm Surfers team to tow into massive waves in some of the most remote places on earth, while Kylie is at the pinnacle of the sport winning her fifth PWC title recently in the USA.

Speaking about the program, Carroll said: 'PWC are awesome craft and make it possible to catch waves we have never ridden before but you need to know what you are doing and ride right.'

Kylie Ellmers joined in the sentiment and said: 'PWC are not just another toy – they are a powerboat, just smaller, and you need to know the rules for safe use.'

The Ride Right safety education package was made with the support of the Boating Industry Association and other stakeholders in a bid to improve the culture of safe behaviour on NSW waterways.

More at www.boatforlife.com.au