After many complaints and a public meeting, locals and visitors to Rainbow Beach will be happy to learn that the Double Island Point 6-knot zone was gazetted on 4 February 2022 for the area on the northern side of Double Island Point.
According to the Queensland Government Gazette, “A 6-knot speed limit zone is now in place within the Double Island Point lagoon bounded by the high-water mark heading generally North East and then North following the high tide mark then extending South West generally following the sand spit along an imaginary line then continuing south to encompass the entire Double Island Point Lagoon.”
The situation reached a head recently with Jet Ski and Thunder Cats speeding in the lagoon with little care for the people swimming or yachts moored in the area.
With some riders calling out those protesting as ‘Karen’s’ on social media, locals said at the recent meeting hosted by Maritime Safety Queensland at Rainbow Beach, with fifty kilometres of beach to choose from, why use the lagoon.
The lagoon has been used by families for years with gazebo’s dotting the circumference and foam surfboards and buckets and spades the main form of entertainment because of its safety and solitude and jet skis are not welcome in the mix.
The popularity of the region for personal watercraft users increased significantly during Covid with areas previously frequented becoming inaccessible and riders discovered the beauty of Double Island.
While family safety was one key area discussed at the meeting, wildlife safety has been the top of the agenda for protestors for some time.
With marine creatures an obvious natural tourism attraction for the region and an important part of the ecological balance of nature, surfers, and regular users of the point, who respect the region, want to protect the regions assets.
You don’t have to be a ‘greenie’ to know that by looking after the environment you live in, the area will thrive and a balance must be found for all to enjoy the area.
The rules are clear and everyone who has a jet ski licence should know them before they are allowed to hold a licence.
Keep under 6 knots within:
• 60m of people in the water
• 60m of bathing reserves
• 60m of anchored vessels, boat ramps, jetties, or pontoons. When you’re within 30m of another moving vessel, you must remain under 10 knots.
Keep a proper lookout. Everyone onboard must wear a lifejacket. Freestyling is restricted in certain areas. Be aware. Be safe. Know the area.
Remember: • 6 knots is equivalent to 11km/hr • You must have a personal watercraft (PWC) licence holder onboard.
