Jetskiers' antics revive horror of beach death

By CATHY ARONSON

Police and locals are worried about jetskiers hooning near swimmers at Ohuka Beach, Whitianga.

Senior Constable Barry Hunt said he had to warn three jetskiers who were surfing the waves close to swimmers during Easter Weekend.

He said the public was quick to report dangerous jetskiers after the death three years ago of former world BMX champion Errol Nelson.

Mr Nelson, aged 52, died at the beach when he was hit by a jetski.

Paeroa farmer Jonathon Hare was convicted of manslaughter after the jetski he was riding crashed into Mr Nelson's runabout.

Mr Hare was released from jail last year after serving on six months of his 18-month sentence.

"It hit the community hard and they have become more aware of the law and less tolerant of jetskiers," said Senior Constable Hunt. "The jetskiers, however, don't seem to be aware of the law."

He said that even though signs were posted on the boat ramps, the three men, from Auckland, had not known the law. They were given a warning.

Senior Constable Hunt said the jetskiers were hooning at 40 knots near swimmers when a bylaw stated they could not travel more than 5 knots within 200m from the shore.

"They wanted to ride the waves close to the beach but it is really dangerous, because by the time they see the swimmer on the other side, they are in mid-air. A minor mistake can turn into a tragedy."

Thames Coromandel District Council bylaw officer Brad Bartlett said the jetskiers were a minority out of about 15 well-behaved skiers.