In a 2021 edition of BaysNews https://www.westpittwater.com.au/bright-at-night/ , Transport for NSW boating safety officer, Nathan Adamson, reminded commuters that speeding through the Bays’ moorings and estuarine environments is illegal, and unsafe for the person speeding, other commuters, kayakers, swimmers, and people working or relaxing on moored or anchored boats etc.
Given the increased presence of PWCs – including jet skis – in the Bays, and their impact on safety, peaceful enjoyment, and our fragile marine environment, it’s time to revisit these rules.
A speed of 6 knots or less is the rule when a powered vessel is less than 30m from a moored or anchored vessel, structures including jetties, bridges and navigation markers, and the shore. The distance from swimmers must be at least 60m.
Image: Elvina Bay – Sara Nimmo
This means that while driving through the moorings in Elvina Bay, Lovett Bay, Morning Bay, and near Church Point, your speed must be 6 knots or less.
Speed must be further reduced to 4 knots or less when driving through the estuarine environments of Salvation Creek and Morning Bay. This speed is not tide dependent; in other words, a high tide is not an excuse to open up the throttle. The WPCA is currently working with Northern Beaches Council and the NSW Government via Crown Lands and Roads and Maritime to help raise awareness of and enforce this rule https://www.westpittwater.com.au/environment-action/.
Image: Salvation Creek – Greg Hurst
We ask that all residents please keep taking it easy and stick to the legal speed limit (or slower). Please also ensure that your visitors, tenants, and holiday renters are aware of the rules.
And if you have a Bays business, please ensure that your staff are aware of and comply with the speed limits.