Stick to the 5 knot rule or risk a $200 fine

Thursday 25 September 2008

Boaties and jet skiers are reminded to keep to a speed of five knots within 200 metres of the shore when enjoying the Bay of Plenty’s harbours and lakes.

Environment Bay of Plenty’s harbour master team are on duty seven days a week and will be keeping a close eye on the speed of boats and other vessels this summer.

Anyone who ignores the speed limit can be served immediately with an infringement notice and fined $200.

Last week in Rotorua District Court a boatie was fined $200 and ordered to pay costs of around $450 after exceeding five knots within 200 metres of the shoreline at Lake Rotoiti last summer.

Environment Bay of Plenty’s regional harbour master Carl Magazinovic said safety was his team’s number one priority.

“During summer thousands of people enjoy Rotorua’s lakes, Ohiwa Harbour and Tauranga Harbour and it is important that they are safe. We appeal to boaties and jet skiers to consider other people when they are within 200 metres of the shore and stick to the five knot speed limit,” Mr Magazinovic said.

Fisherman and women are also reminded to get out of the way of large vessels and cruise ships when fishing in the shipping channels at Ohiwa and Tauranga Harbours.

“Large ships cannot manoeuvre easily in these narrow shipping channels and may not be able to move around smaller, more mobile fishing boats, so please, for your own safety, keep out of their way,” Mr Magazinovic said.

The trout fishing season is about to start in Rotorua and across the region. If you are out on our beautiful lakes then the five knot a rule applies to you too and don’t forget to carry a suitable life jacket for every person on board.

ENDS

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