Jet skiers urged to take more care after travelling too close to swimmers on Auckland's shoreline

Jet skiers urged to take more care after travelling too close to swimmers on Auckland's shoreline
Photo credit: Getty Images

Lifeguards are urging jet skiers to be more careful as some are travelling dangerously close to Auckland's shoreline.

Surf Lifesaving northern region operations manager Alan Gibson said there have been multiple incidents at Takapuna, Orewa and Wenderholm where jet ski have come "pretty close to swimmers".

"When lifeguards are engaging with jet ski operators who are not abiding by the rules it takes lifeguards away from their core work, which is the bathers in the water and ensuring they are safe," Gibson said.

He said according to maritime law jet skis should not be travelling more than five knots within 200 metres of a beach.

Gibson said lifeguards have had to remind a number of jet ski operators of this.

Lifeguards have also been busy assisting people using paddleboards and inflatables that they may not be familiar with using.

Gibson warned offshore winds can create dangerous conditions and those using flotation devices should not go out further than standing depth.

RNZ