NSW Maritime has created a new 20-knot speed limit zone in Ettalong on the Northern Beaches, one of the most popular destinations for Jet Skis and personal watercraft in metropolitan Sydney.
The new speed zone – which was previously unlimited – applies to all boats, Jet Skis and personal watercraft.
Authorities said the new limit was introduced in response to feedback from the local community.
Ettalong is popular among Jet Ski and personal watercraft riders because a sand bar and shallow water can create ideal conditions for wave-jumping about 200 metres off the shoreline.
However, the new 20-knot speed limit zone is about 500 metres north of the wave-jumping area – which is also popular among surfers and paddle boarders – and primarily covers the waterway in front of residential areas, a family beach, and a cafe.
The water immediately in front of Ettalong beach has been an 8-knot or a 4-knot zone for some time. The new 20-knot zone means riders can’t hit top speed as they go past this area, even though it is about 200 metres off the shoreline.
A statement from NSW Maritime, issued one day before the new speed limit was to be introduced on 21 November, 2020, said: “A new speed limit of 20 knots will be introduced on Brisbane Water at Ettalong tomorrow to increase safety for boaters, jet and water skiers in the area.”
It is unclear how many – if any – infringements were issued in the first few weekends of operation, or whether authorities initially issued warnings until boaties and Jet Ski riders become familiar with the new 20-knot speed limit zone.
However, NSW Police and NSW Maritime have warned boaties and Jet Ski riders they will be out in force again this summer.