Safely sharing the seaway

Sharing the Gold Coast Seaway is the key to a safe and happy summer for boaties and surfers said Transport Minister John Mickel today.

“At this time of year the waterway from the seaway wall to the northern wall is a busy area, with surfers paddling over to Stradbroke Island and boaties making their way out to sea,” he said.

Mr Mickel today visited the Gold Coast Seaway with Stuart Ball, advisor to the board of directors, of the Surfrider Foundation, to witness the interaction between boaties and surfers in the Seaway.

“South Stradbroke Island provides a popular surfing spot which can only be accessed by water,” Mr Mickel said.

“Many keen surfers take the direct route by paddling their boards across the Gold Coast Seaway to the northern wall and back; and if the surf is up, board riders can be encountered at any time of the day.”

Mr Mickel said boaties should exercise caution when crossing the Seaway and should keep a good lookout for surfers in the water.

“Surfers can be hard to see in the early morning and late afternoon when the sun is low and there is more glare on the water, while choppy conditions can also make it harder to spot surfers,” he said.

“The vessel master is responsible for keeping a lookout and being aware of the local boating environment. Before heading out on the water, boaties should check the weather forecast and tides and be prepared for the conditions of the day.

“It is equally important for surfers to fully understand the risks they face when crossing the Seaway and the possibility of encountering other vessels.

“Surfers need to keep a good look out and should never assume an approaching boat has spotted them. Taking early action to make yourself seen is key to a surfer’s safety.”

Mr Ball and well known local surfer and Surfrider Foundation representative, Michael “Munga” Barry, reminded Seaway users that common sense and courtesy on the water went a long way to ensuring everyone’s safety.

“There are few simple things surfers can do to help improve their visibility, including travelling in groups and wearing brightly coloured clothing,” said Munga.

“Surfers should also sit up and make themselves visible when they see a boat approaching and wait for the vessel to go by instead of running the gauntlet.

“I’d also urge boaties to be vigilant when passing between the Seaway walls by keeping an eye out for surfers and other vessels.”

Mr Mickel said it was also important for the safety and enjoyment of everyone using our waterways, that boat operators and surfers were aware of each other and that boaties did not exceed six knots when they were within 30 metres of people in the water.

“The Seaway Tower issues alerts on VHF channel 73 when groups of surfers are in the water I urge all boaties in the area to listen to out for these alerts,” he said.

Media contact: Jane Rowe 3237 1125 or 0409 588 302