Jet Ski riders will face fines of at least $250 – and risk confiscation of their craft if they perform dangerous riding manoeuvres – for breaching a new ban on Jet Skis and boats along a 300 metre stretch of Ettalong Beach on the Central Coast north of Sydney, from 22 November 2024.
One of the most popular destinations for Jet Skis over summer – due to its calm, shallow waters, and nearby cafe – has become a hot spot in recent years.
Now Jet Skis and boats are banned from entering a specific area – and a nearby beach access boat ramp is being gated to prevent motorised watercraft from launching there.
Above: A group of Jet Skis parked at Ettalong Beach in 2018. Jet Skis and boats are now banned from this area, but they can park outside the exclusion zone. Photo: Joshua Dowling.
This part of Ettalong Beach is also popular with families with young children, and there has been growing community concern over Jet Ski riders who have disobeyed the 4-knot speed restriction, including near swimmers and toddlers.
After years of community feedback, NSW Maritime has introduced a new ban on Jet Skis and boats on a 300 metre stretch of the beach near the cafe.
Signs will indicate the area Jet Skis and boats cannot enter.
However, Jet Skis will be able to park up on the beach – or be anchored in shallow water – outside the exclusion zone.
Only paddle craft and swimmers are allowed in the new restricted area.
The specific fine for Jet Ski riders who enter the new exclusion zone is $250 for “disobey NSW Transport sign”.
Jet Ski riders could also face fines of $500 for speeding in the restricted area – and risk possible confiscation of their craft for dangerous riding behaviour.
For now, NSW Maritime says there are no plans to install a CCTV safety camera, such as the one being installed near Bonnie Vale Beach south of Sydney.
NSW Labor Party Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, told local media outlet Coast Community News:
“Since my election, I have been representing our community to Council, police and Maritime NSW about the use of jet skis along this stretch, raising concerns about the increased water traffic and unsafe interactions that occur each Summer season.
“Too often, we have seen people breaking the law, or ruining the experiences of others at Ettalong Beach.
“The beautiful Ettalong Beach is so popular with young families, seniors and those with accessibility needs due to the gentle waters.
“The creation of this zone will ensure that everyone can enjoy our waterways, while giving swimmers peace of mind within this paddle craft only area.”
NSW Maritime says it will deploy boating safety officers to the area over summer, to ensure Jet Ski riders are aware of the new exclusion zone.
Local community members – and law-abiding Jet Ski riders – who witness dangerous Jet Ski riding behaviour are encouraged to call the Personal Watercraft Complaints Line on 13 12 36.
Anti-social behaviour can be reported to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
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