Media response - jet ski misuse

Published on 23 October 2023

Response to the Fleurieu Sun.

• Would we be able to get some comments regarding the decision to monitor the situation [misuse of jet skis at Aldinga Beach]?

We recently received requests and a petition from the local community asking council to ban jet skis at Maslin Beach, Port Willunga Beach, Aldinga Beach, and Sellicks Beach due to concerns about misuse.

The power to restrict personal watercraft is the remit of Marine Safety SA – Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT).

DIT's advice has informed our approach this summer to focus on increasing education and compliance, including encouraging our community to report non-compliant behaviour via the Marine Safety online tool https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/boating-and-marine/boat-and-marine-reporting/reporting-boat-incidents/safety-concern and closely monitor complaints and incidents before considering a watercraft exclusion zone.

In addition, DIT have advised they will consider variable message signs in key locations and boosting patrols for targeted compliance.

We will complement these initiatives and will continue to collaborate with DIT (Marine Safety SA) to promote safe personal watercraft use on our beaches this summer.

A report detailing initiatives and incidents will be prepared at the end of Summer, March 2024.

ENDS