Big fine for jetboater
Jetboater Tim O’Sullivan has been slapped with a $1500 fine and a conviction for his December 2021 traverse of the Nevis Bluff rapids.
The Alexandra farmer was in Queenstown | Tāhuna District Court last week after pleading guilty to charges brought by Queenstown Lakes District Council for breaching the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2018.
He’d perhaps have struggled to beat the charge - the descent through the Grade 6 rapids, a restricted area of the Kawarau River with water churning at a 250m3/s flow rate, was filmed and uploaded to YouTube, where it has been viewed almost 50,000 times.
It’s believed to be the first descent of the Nevis Bluff rapids in a jetboat.
Queenstown Lakes District Council hopes the case acts as a deterrent to others and encourages people to stay safe in the water this summer.
QLDC Regulatory Manager Anthony Hall says: “The bylaw is very clear about restricted areas where boat operators cannot operate a powered vessel without first obtaining an exemption from QLDC.
“The rule is there to protect all users of our rivers and lakes and we enforce it rigorously.
“Whilst we’re satisfied to achieve a successful conviction in this case, we hope it will serve as both a reminder to make smart choices in and around water and a deterrent to others from making similar, very dangerous choices.
“We’d encourage local boaties to mention it to any visitors they speak to over summer or to their mates who may be considering taking unnecessary risks.”
Halls says using a powered vessel such as a jet boat in any restricted areas, including the Kawarau River, is first and foremost a significant safety issue.
That section of the Kawarau River is considered hazardous for both powered and non-powered vessels to use at the same time and is currently only available to passive users (non-powered vessels) unless a prior exemption is obtained by QLDC.
Hall says obtaining an exemption through Council to operate a powered vessel on this section of the Kawarau River ensures that the correct safety precautions are in place to consider other users occupying the river at the time.
“Council’s guidance on safe boating including links to the bylaw is published widely and there is clear signage in place on these sections. It’s well understood by most boaties and there really is no excuse for taking risks and putting others in danger.”
QLDC is the regulatory authority for waterways across the district and promotes their safe use through the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2018 and Maritime Act 1994.
There’s information about the bylaw on the council website www.qldc.govt.nz/recreation/lakes-and-boating and in its offices.
